Pastor’s Corner: The rectory is a major concern. As everyone has noticed, the building needs much work. No substantial work has been done on the building since the present wooden siding was installed in the early 1920’s. [It was installed on top of the original clapboarding which is still under there: tongue and groove wooden planks, painted a mustard yellow: we have picture postcards from the first two decades of the last century, and the rectory painted yellow, with green shutters and red and white stripped awnings over each window. Pretty classy!]

There are other factors rendering this project unique. First, the building is an historic treasure: this is one of the last Greek Revival homes left in Stamford. Built in 1850 by a local developer, Augustus Knowlton, it originally was a simple two storey, rectangular floor plan. The rectangle was divided in half, for two families: each side had a basement kitchen, a main floor sitting room and parlor, and two rooms on the second floor, with a shallow attic above. Each side of the house was joined by a staircase, rising from the basement to the attic, and each side had its own front door. A contemporary 1850 advertisement from The Advocate gives a good idea of the original structure in the picture above.

The original, 1850 design is based on Knowlton’s idea of a Greek temple. It sits on three steps, running the length of the front porch. This was supported by seven simple Doric columns, each standing atop a rectangular wooden plinth. The wooden frames of the two door and ground floor windows are wider at the bottom and tapered at the top, imitating the door lintels of Greek temples. In mid-19th century America, this architectural style developed as an expression of the Democratic principles of the American Republic. Since Democracy was born in Greece, it was thought that Greek architecture best expressed the American ideal, even in private homes. The Greek Revival design elements are easier to recognize if you stand across Atlantic Street and look back at the rectory.

The house was purchased in the late 1850’s by Galen A. Carter, Jr., a New York lawyer, who expanded the building to its present size—37 rooms with 27 fireplaces—adding a ball room, dinning room, upstairs kitchen, the entire third floor, and Mansard roof [sloping decorative roof], and gables. By adding a ball room and dinning room, he lengthened the front of the house, adding two more columns—replacing the originals with nine wooden fluted Corinthian columns, with carved wooden Corinthian capitals decorated with lotus blossoms and acanthus leaves [Acanthus is growing in front of the house].

My thought is to remove the 1920’s siding, install insulation, and new siding. To add to the complexity of this project, there is an ingenious 1850 feature: the most advanced 1850 fire prevention system—brickwork fills the balloon framing of the exterior walls, to prevent fire from spreading through the walls to the upper rooms. The difficulty is that the brickwork makes the installation of any type of insulation nearly impossible! More on that later. Another tricky aspect of this is the original decorative woodwork, some of which is rotted. You can see this especially on the side of the rectory facing the church, along the garden walkway: look up at the soffit, or overhang of the roof, and you can see the rotted woodwork. The upper Mansard roof, all the decorative woodwork, built-in gutters and soffit all have to be repaired/restored or replaced. While standing on the side of the house, notice the gazebo: it is collapsing. However, the detailed wooden decorations are in relatively good shape.

Local builders and craftsmen are still submitting bids for the project. I think, at this point, the best approach would be to do this in phases: the first being the most necessary—the rebuilding/restoration of the gazebo, before it entirely collapses. The next phase would be the Mansard roof and the roof gables, replacing the asphalt shingles with new carriage house shingles, that look like fish scales, according to the original design. That’s the initial idea: let’s see what actually happens, once bids are all submitted, and I sit down with the parish Trustees, Financial Council and craftsmen who know about such things, then we can decide how to move ahead. Please say a few prayers. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Thomas Beirne, Patrick A. Toole, Sr., Katherine Klass, Patricia McNamee, Ian Rice, Maureen Henry James, Diane Grant, Huong Diep Nguyen, Kevin O’Byrne, Paul Cavalli, Peter Baccaro, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Frances White, Hugh Troshynski, Sheila Catherine Beirne, Edward Cipri, Msgr. William A. Nagle, Felix Boursiquot, Helen Moger, Alfred Preziosi, Brian M. Murray, Fr. James C. Hoge, O.S.B., Fr. David Howell, Mario Stano, Raymond Jean-Rene, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia.

Our Lady’s Altar Votive Light: Special Intentions Paul Cavalli

St. Joseph Altar Votive Light: Special Intentions req. Jo and Ann Corcione

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday May 27th.

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Info: 203-324-1553.

Relics of Saints for May: On the Saint Joseph Altar, relics are displayed of: Saints Philip the Apostle, Athanasius the Great, Pope Alexander I, Monica, Pope Pius V, Venustus, Domitila, Helladius, Gregory of Nazianzen, Anthony of Florence, Philip Neri, Florianus, Boniface, Isidore the Farmer, John Nepomocene, Paschal, Venantius, Peter Coeler, Bernard of Siena, Secundus, Rita of Cassia, Crispin, Vincent, Pope Gregory VII, Nereus, Magdalene Pazzi, Felicitas, Restitutus, Ferdinand, Petronilla.

May 24: World Day of Prayer for China: Following the call by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to pray for China and the persecuted Catholic Church, the Cardinal Kung Foundation has reserved two Masses for that intention: May 24th at 12:10 pm and Sunday, May 26th at 11:30 am. Pray for the end of persecution in China, and for the opening of the Cause of Canonization of Ignatius Cardinal Kung.

Solemn High Mass for the Feasts of Corpus Christi and The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: On  Thursday May 30, 2013  at 7:30 PM  Saint Gabriel Church in Stamford will celebrate a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (Latin Mass according to the 1962 Missal) for the Feast of Corpus Christi and on Friday June 7th at 7:30 PM, for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Refreshments to follow in the Parish Meeting Room. Please join us!

Weekly Sunday collection:
Sunday May 19, 2013 $ 11,006.00
Sunday May 20, 2012 $ 10,521.39
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.” —Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

June 2nd, Sunday Readings: Gn 14:18-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Lk 9:11b-17.

ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $60,527. Please be generous; we need everyone’s help.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved.

Electronic Giving – Offertory Donations Made Easy…Consider using your credit card to make your weekly or monthly donation to St. John’s. Easier for you, and less costly for the parish than the printing and mailing of weekly envelopes, credit card giving automatically sends your weekly offering to the Basilica of St. John’s. Call the parish secretary (324-1553, ext. 21).

Lost & Found . . . Please check the Lost & Found in the Rectory for any items you may have left in the church. Feel free to call Cindy at the rectory, M-F, 9AM—1:30PM, 203-324-1553 x21.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. Please call (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: Supports women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term, providing pregnancy tests, connecting women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Call 348-4355 if Interested, or click onto www.birthright.org .

Job Seekers: Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: There’s no charge. Led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or 203-866-1606: Next meeting: Monday, June 3rd.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, May 25, 2013
4:00 +Ines and Albert Gommi req. Leon Taricani
Sunday, May 26, 2013
7:30 +Anthony Lepore req. Rose Lepore
8:30 Monsignor Peter Dora req. The Legion of Mary of St. John the Evangelist Church
10:00 +Dorothy (Dora) Pellegrino req. Mary Bridget Gaine
11:30 The Persecuted Roman Catholic Church in China req. Joseph and Agnes Kung
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family
Monday, May 27, 2013
8:00 +Deceased Veterans of the Parish
12:10 +Rick Cote
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
8:00 +John Carlson req. Sharon Gannon
12:10 +Andrew Joseph Hoenig req. Mary Jean DalMolin
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
8:00 +Margaret Curtis req. Mary Maloney
12:10 +Michael A. Browne req. Marchetti Family
Thursday, May 30, 2013
8:00 +Edward J. McNamara req. Mary Jean DalMolin
12:10 Michael Guarnieri
Friday, May 31, 2013
8:00 In Honor of the Virgin Mary req. Montanise Paulemon
12:10 Forgotten Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
8:00 +Josephine Fusaro req. Pat Urso
12:10 +Thomas Davoren req. Bill Carello

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the parish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcomeContact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Will not meet in May.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: Starts again in September.

DEDICATION OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, MAY 30, 1886

The NEW YORK TIMES:
STAMFORD’S NEW CHURCH. “The new Catholic Church of St. John the Evangelist, at the junction of Atlantic and Bell streets, was dedicated today with impressive ceremonies. By 10 o’clock, the hour for the beginning of the function, the new edifice, which has a seating capacity of 1,600, was not only entirely occupied but the congregation overflowed into the vestibule and out on the stoops. All the Catholics of Stamford, and they number 4,000, about one-fourth of the whole population, who could be there were present. At 10 o’clock the Right Rev. Lawrence S. McMahon, Bishop of Hartford, with his attendant ministers, emerged from the sanctuary and walked in procession down the middle aisle to the door and made a circuit of the exterior walls of the church, the Bishop sprinkling them with holy water, while the accompanying priests chanted the “Miserere.” Returning, the interior walls were likewise blessed, and when the altar was reached the litany of the saints was chanted. At the pontifical High Mass which followed, Bishop McMahon was celebrant. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Ignatius F. Horstmann, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In the evening, at vespers, the Rev. Dr McGlynn, of New York, preached, and the church was crowded. In general style the new edifice is said to resemble the Milan cathedral. The exterior dimensions are 100 by 180 feet. The material used is granite, quarried at Leites Island, near New Haven, from which the stone used for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty came. The spire, which will not be built for some time, will be 250 feet high, the tallest in the State. The interior has 10 finely proportioned pillars, surmounted by beautifully arched capitals, whence rise graceful arcade arches. The sanctuary contains an altar of sculptured Italian marble, standing 30 feet high, with Mexican onyx pillars. Two transcepts have galleries with a seating capacity of 300 each, and the lower floor will seat 1,000 people. The pews and woodwork are of carved oak. The stained glass windows are very beautiful, and cost from $250 to $500 each. The central altar window is a memorial of the late Father Fagan, the founder of the church. The window representing the Ascension was presented by his successor, now of New Britain. The window on which is depicted the Visit of the Magi is the gift of the present Rector, the Rev. William H. Rogers. Father Walsh, of Litchfield, an assistant in Stamford for over seven years, presented the window representing the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. Three of the other windows were presented by church societies, and the rest by members of the congregation. Over fifteen years have been spent in the erection of the church, and its cost is about $250,000. Of this amount $50,000 remains unpaid.

The Year of Faith
- Fr. Terry Walsh

Is it reasonable to believe that there is One God and that He created all things in a beautiful and harmonious order simply out of love? Does it pass the reasonable test? Is it reasonable that at a particular “moment” the Holy Trinity chose to “share” His bountiful love and create a universe as a reflection of the very beauty, majesty and harmony within the Trinity? Is it reasonable that God created mankind in His own Image and Likeness, endowing us with an immortal, rational soul, along with the gift of freedom, giving us the ability to know Him and to love Him? Is it reasonable to believe that even after man utterly rejected God in the Garden of Eden, God would continue to love man, even to the point of coming to our rescue in the flesh? If we put the gifts of reason and freedom to work, we will come to understand that yes, indeed, it is reasonable when we consider the nature of our Creator: perfect in Power and Love. The gift of faith is open to all who humbly seek God. Although God promised the hope of a Redeemer immediately after Adam disobeyed Him, man needed to pursue virtue and come to understand the sacrificial nature of love. Throughout the Old Testament, God gradually led man along the path of righteousness. Consider the covenant relationship He initiated with Abraham (because of his faith!) and his descendants (all of us who believe) to fulfill the purpose of our existence – to know and love God. It’s a natural fit, after all, God has written the truth on our hearts. In other words, we can come to know and understand the proper order of God’s design, which begins and ends in love, through the use of the gift of reason which he has given us if we freely choose to seek the truth, and so be drawn into the love of God for all eternity – in Heaven. In his First Epistle, St. John explained: “Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love”(1John 4:7).

God has revealed that each one of us has been uniquely created in His Image and that we are loved personally by God. He extends to each of us an invitation to believe in Him and to love Him in return. It is reasonable. Jesus said, “He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And he who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness”(John 12:44-46). The Light of Truth comes to all who seek Him and opens the heart and mind to the love of God. There is work involved in the process of faith. Remember the old garden metaphor: our soul is like a garden. When we respond to the invitation to believe, God plants the “theological virtues” in our garden. In other words, He plants the seed of Faith, Hope, and Charity in us. Are you a good gardener? If you tend the garden of your heart, opening it up in humble wonder of the gift of life, the wonder of Creation, the gentle whisper of God’s voice in your conscience – then the waters of grace will flow into your garden and water the seeds that God infused into your soul. Now, at times, the growth is painful – digging and churning and pulling up weeds. Yet, we also experience the consolation of a beautiful sunset, an encouraging word, a welcomed pat on the back. Graces come to the humble heart in abundance – they flow deeply into the heart of one who seeks them through simple prayer, reflection of the Scriptures, acts of kindness, perseverance, and the like. In other words, for the person who wants to know God, God will manifest Himself and bring peace. Our Lord assures us: “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him”(John 14: 23). Through childlike awe and wonder, we come to recognize that God became our Redeemer through the Mystery of the Incarnation in order to raise us up to a share in His Divine life. St. Paul rejoices: “But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’(Galatians 4:4). Think of it! Through our response: ‘Yes, I believe’ our Lord pours his sevenfold gift of grace into our souls. He has come to rescue all who believe and obey by clothing us in his divinity, protecting us from the fear of ever being lost or wounded again. Indeed, our least effort draws graces from Him that deepen our understanding and strengthen our resolve to persevere. Each small effort toward God is an act of faith! Consider the great Apostle, St. Peter. Our Lord invites Peter to follow Him and helps him to see the Truth. Peter proves to be most zealous in his desire to live according to the truth. And yet, the Scriptures also reveal a glimpse of Peter’s frailty. He makes mistakes, he falls. But even in these experiences, Peter teaches us a great lesson. He never quits! He acknowledges his weaknesses and calls out to our Lord for help. He begs pardon, he asks for healing. Indeed, time and again, he humbles himself and cooperates with the grace of God and grows in virtue, allowing God to water the garden of his soul – through consolation and desolation. He believes! Again, there is work involved. Faith isn’t simply a matter of saying “I believe” but rather, faith is entering into a relationship with God. It leads to a deep and abiding knowledge of God and demands an unequivocal response of love, or as St. Paul put it: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love”(Ephesians 4:15-16). Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed “The Year of Faith” beginning October, 2012. What a wonderful opportunity to enrich the garden of our soul. What will you do to celebrate this gift? Why not initiate a program of prayer and study including the Rosary, the Bible, the Catechism, and the writings of the Saints? Whatever you decide to do, it will lead to an increase of faith!

Pastor’s Corner: The first Pentecost saw the Apostles receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Already commissioned by Our Lord to establish His Catholic Church everywhere, they now received the strength, courage and fortitude to do their work. More than 1,800 years later, a successor of the Apostles came to Stamford to dedicate the then newest outpost of Christ’s Church: “The audience assembled on Sunday morning last,” [May 30, 1886] “at 10 o’clock in the new Catholic church of Stamford, was limited only by the capacity of the building, which spacious as it is, could not contain all who sought admission within its walls. While hundreds more stood outside, not less than twenty-five hundred people, obtained entrance, and witnessed the impressive ceremonial of dedication by the Rt. Rev. Bishop McMahon and the priests chosen as his assistants for the occasion.” Thus did The Stamford Advocate begin its report of the dedication ceremonies of our church, adding, “The new church is undoubtedly one of the very finest ecclesiastical edifices in the state.” [The Stamford Advocate, June 5, 1886]

All in all, Stamford was quite impressed: Saint John’s was the largest stone church in the state, and the ceremonies were attended by nearly the entire 4,000 person Catholic population of the city, in attendance. Nowhere in Yankee Connecticut had there been such an expression of the rapid growth of the Church as in Stamford. The preacher for the day was Father Ignatius Horstmann, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, commented: “What a change forty years have brought about in the Catholic Church here in Stamford. The progress of Catholicity in your midst can be read from these facts: from the Mass offered up in private houses to the modest frame chapel on Meadow Street, that was twice enlarged and improved, then to this magnificent structure worthy to be called a cathedral. At first a few faithful, now one-third of the entire population of the town.” [The Connecticut Catholic, June 5, 1886]

The construction of our great church was not an easy project, and seemed doomed to permanent incompletion because of a lack of funding, until the arrival of an Irish immigrant via Chicago—John Ennis, one of the most interesting men in the history of our city. Born in Richmond Harbor, County Longford, Ireland in 1842, he and his family moved to Chicago. Ennis fought for the Union in the Civil War. He worked as a contractor and built a number of churches in Chicago following the great fire. He and his family moved to Stamford, and became members of Saint John’s. He fought to protect the rights of Irish Catholics, established a spa and hotel on Shippan Point, and gained fame as a world class athlete, capturing awards as a swimmer, crack rifleman, boxer, ice skater and long distance walker. He held the world record for 100-mile speed ice skating [he was 52 years old at the time!] and the record for walking across the United States: 50 days and 5 hours at the age of 68 years! [The Currier and Ives print on the left is of John Ennis the Celebrated Pedestrian]

After the exterior of the church was basically completed according to the plans of James Murphy, the original architect, construction stopped, due to lack of funds. Ennis came forward with another plan, and once he convinced the Pastor, Father William Rogers work began anew. Ennis later described his efforts at Saint John’s: “I had sole control of the construction of all the mechanical work, both as architect and general contractor and for four years I gave the work the best that was in me as a skilled mechanic and builder. They were the happiest years of my life: my heart as well as my head and all the physical energy I possessed was employed for a good purpose and a successful end. I remodeled the interior as follows: Restored seven feet of space in order to make a true Gothic ceiling; enlarged the pillars more than twice the diameter of the original plans; substituted circular stairs to the galleries, three flights, instead of plain box stairs, as planned by old drawings. The roof did not collapse as predicted, no one was killed or injured. . .” He described Saint John’s as “the most beautiful Gothic church building in the State of Connecticut”, and continued, “Every line and detail is mine.” One of his last gifts to Saint John’s was the stained glass window in memory of his beloved wife Mary, who died in 1892 [the third northern window, to the left of the baptismal font]. John Ennis died in 1929 of pneumonia at 78 years of age.

So, Happy Pentecost and, on May 30th, Happy Anniversary, St. John’s! Our Catholic parish is but one or tens of thousands of local parishes and chapels around the world, all part of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Christ on the Apostles. Let’s remember John and his wife Mary Ennis in a little prayer today, as well as all our fellow Catholics of those earlier days, whose faith, generosity and determination created this beautiful church as a sign of their Catholic faith, and as a gift to future generations who would join them in worshiping God at this altar.
—Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Thomas Beirne, Patrick A. Toole, Sr., Katherine Klass, Patricia McNamee, Ian Rice, Maureen Henry James, Diane Grant, Huong Diep Nguyen, Kevin O’Byrne, Paul Cavallo, Peter Baccaro, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Sheila Catherine Beirne, Edward Cipri, Msgr. William A. Nagle, Felix Boursiquot, Helen Moger, Alfred Preziosi, Brian M. Murray, Fr. James C. Hoge, O.S.B., Fr. David Howell, Mario Stano, Raymond Jean-Rene, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia.

Catholic Communication Campaign Collection . . . Please drop your special envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory.

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday May 20th.

Banns of Marriage: Banns III: Sean Patrick Dunn and Gabrielle Marie Carpanzano

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Info: 203-324-1553.

Relics of Saints for May: On the Saint Joseph Altar, relics are displayed of: Saints Philip the Apostle, Athanasius the Great, Pope Alexander I, Monica, Pope Pius V, Venustus, Domitila, Helladius, Gregory of Nazianzen, Anthony of Florence, Philip Neri, Florianus, Boniface, Isidore the Farmer, John Nepomocene, Paschal, Venantius, Peter Coeler, Bernard of Siena, Secundus, Rita of Cassia, Crispin, Vincent, Pope Gregory VII, Nereus, Magdalene Pazzi, Felicitas, Restitutus, Ferdinand, Petronilla.

May 24: World Day of Prayer for China: Following the call by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to pray for China and the persecuted Catholic Church, the Cardinal Kung Foundation has reserved two Masses for that intention: May 24th at 12:10 pm and Sunday, May 26th at 11:30 am. Pray for the end of persecution in China, and for the opening of the Cause of Canonization of Ignatius Cardinal Kung.

Parking Tickets: There is a myth that the parish will pay everyone’s parking tickets. That is NOT true. Saint John’s Parish is bound by contract to the City of Stamford: the City operates and maintains the parking lot, and the parish receives a small rental payment. Those attending Masses at Saint John’s need not pay the parking fee; the City is aware of the Mass schedule. Those attending classes or special events at the parish are reminded to do one of two things: place a piece of paper on your dashboard with the words: “Saint John’s Parish”, or pay the parking fee. The City does not know the dates of special events such as weddings, baptisms or funerals, or of classes. Likewise, parishioners may not park in the lot and go shopping or to a restaurant, or all day expecting to be exempt from payment. Anyone parking on the streets must also pay the parking fee or risk being ticketed. If you receive a parking ticket, it is your responsibility to pay it.

Weekly Sunday collection:
Sunday May 12, 2013 $ 11,975.00
Sunday May 13, 2012 $ 11,406.50

“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.” –Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

May 26th, Sunday Readings: Prv 8:22-31; Rom 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15.

ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $52,247. Please be generous; we need everyone’s help.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved.

CELEBRATION of the SACRAMENTS…End of the year party for the Religious Education program. PIZZA and PASTA, 5:45 pm on SUNDAY MAY 19th in the Church Hall (Awards)

Electronic Giving – Offertory Donations Made Easy…Consider using your credit card to make your weekly or monthly donation to St. John’s. Easier for you, and less costly for the parish than the printing and mailing of weekly envelopes, credit card giving automatically sends your weekly offering to the Basilica of St. John’s. Call the parish secretary (324-1553, ext. 21).

Lost & Found . . . Please check the Lost & Found in the Rectory for any items you may have left in the church. Feel free to call Cindy at the rectory, M-F, 9AM—1:30PM, 203-324-1553 x21.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. Please call (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: Supports women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term, providing pregnancy tests, connecting women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Call 348-4355 if interested, or click onto www.birthright.org .

Job Seekers: Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: There’s no charge. Led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or 203-866-1606: Next meeting: Monday, June 3rd.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, May 18, 2013
4:00 +George Terenzio 2nd Anniversary req. Terenzio Family
Sunday, May 19, 2013
7:30 +Deceased members of Sexton and Winter Families req. Hannah Sexton Young
8:30 Marion Morris req. Diane Strain
10:00 +Deceased members of the Evaristo Family req. S. E. DePreta
11:30 Special Intentions Agnes Kung req. Joseph Kung
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family
Monday, May 20, 2013
8:00 Special Intentions Father Walsh
12:10 Pope Benedict XVI: God’s Blessings req. Our Lady of Loretto Altar Guild
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
8:00 +Alliance Sauver req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10 Special Intentions Joseph Kung req. Agnes Kung
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
8:00 Thanksgiving req. Montanise Paulemon
12:10 +Raymond Hull req. McMurchy Family
Thursday, May 23, 2013
8:00 +Frank Byrne
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.
Friday, May 24, 2013
8:00 Father Brian Gannon 16th Anniversary req. Sharon Gannon
12:10 The Persecuted Roman Catholic Church in China req. Joseph and Agnes Kung
Saturday, May 25, 2013
8:00 +Margaret Mary Cycon req. Thomas Cycon
12:10 +Corrie Evans req. Barbara Chiamulera

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the parish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcomeContact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Will not meet in May.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: Starts again in September.

St. John’s in THE ADVOCATE:
130 years ago, or so:
May 26, 1882: “The services at the R. C. church last Sunday morning were of more than ordinary interest from the fact that the celebrant of High Mass was Rev. Father Bernard Kelly, a young man of Stamford who has just been ordained as a priest, and who, on the above occasion, conducted Mass for the first time. Father Kelly is a graduate of Villanova College, near Philadelphia. He has been appointed to a curacy in Yankton, Dakota, and will shortly begin his clerical labors in that new and distant field.”

85 years ago, or so:
May 24, 1929: FUNERAL SERVICE TODAY FOR LATE FATHER CONNORS. “Escorted by a squad of four Stamford motorcycle policemen and a delegation from the Charles Carroll of Carrollton Club of Stamford, the body of the Rev. Patrick F. Connors, born in Stamford, was brought from Bethel, where he died Tuesday night in the rectory of St. Mary’s Church, of which he was the pastor, to Stamford interment in St. John’s Cemetery, Springdale, this afternoon. The funeral escort left Bethel Shortly after 1:30 this afternoon.”

70 years ago, or so:
May 22, 1941: Father Matutis To Sing Solemn High Mass Here. “The Rev. Joseph John Matutis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leon F. Matutis of Henry St., will sing his first solemn Mass Sunday in St. John’s Church at 11. The Rev. Charles E. Hagearty, assistant pastor of St. John’s, will deliver the sermon. The Rev. Charles H. Corcoran, assistant pastor of St. Lawrence Church, West Haven, will be deacon, and the Rev. Francis Shea of St. Thomas Church, Fairfield, will be subdeacon. The Rev. Nicholas P. Coleman, pastor of St. John’s, will act as arch-priest.”

65 years ago, or so:
May 26, 1949: Stamford To Mark Memorial Day; Rites At Cemetery. “Municipal offices, manufacturing plants, stores and schools will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day. Services at St. John’s Cemetery, Springdale, will be held Monday morning at 11, under the direction of St. John’s Post, No. 1006, Catholic War Veterans. The Rev. Patrick Donnelly will deliver the sermon, and a salute will be fired by the American Legion firing squad. Dr. William Troy of St. John’s Post will read the Gettysburg Address, and Reginald Connolly of St. Mary’s Post, CWV, will deliver General Logan’s Order. Names of all veterans who died during the year will be read by John White. The ceremonies will close with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.”

Religious Education’s Annual “Celebration of the Sacraments”
May 19th in the Church Hall 5:45 pm
-Fr. Terry Walsh

Join us this evening in the Nagle Hall just after the 5:oo pm Mass for a wonderful celebration to end the Religious Education year. The St. Anne Society is sponsoring once again a dinner that will include pizza, pasta, hot dogs, and other assorted foods and desserts along with lots of fun. While our teachers will be offering various awards to students tonight, we are in fact honoring all the students with the dinner and thanking them for their hard work and their participation throughout the year. Their weekly participation has been an avenue of grace for each of them to contribute to the good of all their classmates. I would like to thank our dedicated teachers who have once again demonstrated tireless devotion to teaching the children of St. John’s the faith, or rather, complementing what you are teaching them at home. Our teachers spend many hours planning lessons and they approach their classrooms with genuine love—for God and for you. As you know, they are readily available to meet with you personally or even to have a brief conversation on the telephone about any questions or concerns you or your children might have concerning the material they are covering. I would simply like to acknowledge them: First Grade, Diane Kremheller; 2nd Grade, Maria Marchetti, Sister Luigi and Sister Maria; John Pendergast teaches the 3rd class concerning Holy Communion. 3rd grade, Marie Boursiquot; 4th Grade, Michelle Sherry; 5th Grade, Leah Kurtz; 6th Grade, Sue Kremheller; 7th Grade, Fr. Audette; 8th Grade, Suzi Trotta, and the Confirmation Class is taught by Trish and Doug DePhillips. Our faithful substitute, Joe Maker, has always been available in the event that one of our teachers was unavailable to teach. He was ably assisted this year by Frank Carpanzano, as well as Tom and Anmarie Galgano.

As you know, our Confirmation program includes participation in the Francis and Clare Society (Youth Group for High School students) that meets twice a month. Deirdre Garrahan and her team of young adults brought an entirely new component to our program this year that yielded wonderful graces and will continue to be an integral part of our Confirmation program in the years ahead. One of the sessions each month focuses on the material the students have been learning in the classroom in preparation for Confirmation, but in a more informal atmosphere. The evening includes fun and games as well as a pizza dinner. One of the principle aims of the Francis and Clare Society is to help our young people cultivate a great love of the faith through their conversations with one another. I hope that this year’s Confirmation class will return to the Francis and Clare Society next year and remain in the program throughout their High School days putting into practice all they have learned as they help mentor the classes that follow them over these next years. They have a wonderful opportunity to cultivate and maintain a great youth group experience here at St. John’s—one that will certainly yield wonderful graces for them as they take the next step out into the world after graduating from High School. The Francis and Clare Society will help strengthen their faith in God and prepare them for the many challenges they will face in the years to come.

I would especially like to thank my assistant, Ann Marie Carpanzano. She has done exceptional work in our program handling many of the administrative tasks so necessary to keep things running smoothly. Cindy Hulbert, our parish secretary, along with our office staff, Jeffrey Spetland, Lisa D’Acunto, Ferry Galbert, and Andrew Mbabaali were likewise involved in much of the administrative work. Finally, I would like to thank Ferry Galbert, Andrew Mbabaali, and Kolbe Duffy for their work with the Dominic Savio Society for 7th and 8th grade youth group for boys, as well as Beth Carpanzano and her daughters, Anne Marie and Marissa Carpanzano, for their wonderful contributions with the youth group, the “Maria Goretti Society” for 7th and 8th grade girls. I would especially note the great success of the Maria Goretti annual can food drive at Thanksgiving and their annual visit to St. Camilla’s convalescent home each spring.

We are likewise blessed to have many assistant volunteers who have been a tremendous help to our program this year. We had many helpful assistants (members of the St. Dominic Society, St. Maria Goretti Society, and the Francis and Clare Society) to our teachers throughout the year who were responsible for many of the organizing tasks of the classroom each week. These include: John Pendergast, Gus Pendergast, Lizzy Trotta, Maria Gabriela Mosa, Daniella Mosa, Rob Fabrizio, Marissa Carpanzano, Sara Alva, Kolbe Duffy, and Julianne Duffy.

Leah and Wendell Kurtz taught our RCIA candidates from September to May and these candidates will be confirmed today, Pentecost Sunday, at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport. Congratulations to all!!!

Early Registration for next Fall is encouraged. We will be expanding our “online” program to include 6th, 7th, and 8th grades next year. It was a tremendous success for our Confirmation class, serving as a helpful complement to our classroom lessons.

Pastor’s Corner: Our parish rectory was built in 1850 as a private home by Augustus Knowlton, a local developer. The Kentucky Derby was first run 25 years later, on May 17, 1875. That same year, on September 30, 1875, Saint John’s purchased the present day rectory, after it had changed hands to Galen Carter and the Julius A. Candee Family. It is quite appropriate, then, that St. John’s joined in the annual celebration of the Running of the Roses to restore our historic rectory. This year’s parish Kentucky Derby event netted $50,383.84, which will be used for the restoration of our historic rectory. I am grateful to all who participated in our fundraising evening.

There are many parishioners who assisted and contributed to this evening by their generosity. First, I must thank Patty Arnone and Tracy Banahan who served as co-chairs of the event. Their enthusiasm and organizational skills joined with the talents of the committee members: Juanita Evans, Michael Guarnieri, Joseph McAleer, Angela, Maria and Michael Marchetti. Our volunteers for the evening included Fr. Audette, Tom Banahan, Carla & Barry Coutant, Mary Cycon, Lisa D’Acunto, Mary Jean DalMolin, John & Noreen Desoye, Dan Schreck, Barbara Smith, Kathy & Steve Tafuro, Fr. Walsh and Richard West. Members of our parish staff did yeoman’s work for months in preparation of this event, as well as the end work, including Tony Colon, Cindy Hulbert, Andrew Mbalaali, Dominick Piria and Jef Spetland,

Likewise, there were a number parishioners who donated financially to our event, and I am grateful to them for their generosity. Also, some of Stamford’s finest citizens and businesses provided donations of goods and services: The superb food was provisioned by the Marchetti Family from their Columbus Park Trattoria, and by the Cingari Family from their Grade A Shoprite Supermarkets. Auction items and gifts were provided by Agora Spa, Aureole Restaurant, Bar Rosso, Café Silvium, Advance Travel, by the Carpanzano Family, Greg Duffy and his Minuteman Press, Emme of Capri, Tom Gallagher of Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, Hot Tin Roof, La Jolie Salon & Spa, K.P. Events Group, Pellicci’s Ristorante, Stamford Florist and Tigin Irish Pub. Thank you, all, so very much for your generosity.

Now, on to fixing our historic Greek Revival Rectory, so that it might not only look like it did in the above 1857 sketch, but might be both preserved for the future as an architectural gem of downtown Stamford, as well as a comfortable place to live for the priests and a place to gather for our parishioners.

God bless you, and thank you for a wonderfully successful event!
—Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Patrick A. Toole, Sr., Katherine Klass, Patricia McNamee, Ian Rice, Maureen Henry James, Diane Grant, Huong Diep Nguyen, Kevin O’Byrne, Paul Cavallo, Peter Baccaro, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Msgr. William A. Nagle, Felix Boursiquot, Helen Moger, Alfred Preziosi, Brian M. Murray, Fr. James C. Hoge, O.S.B., Fr. David Howell, Mario Stano, Raymond Jean-Rene, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia.

Happy Mothers’ Day to the moms of the parish!!

Monthly Collection . . . The second collection today will be the monthly collection for the parish. Your generosity is appreciated.

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday May 13th.

Easter Duty: Each Catholic is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once yearly, during the Easter Season (Easter, March 31st—Pentecost, May 19th). That means each person should also go to Confession at least once yearly, to receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord worthily.

Banns of Marriage: Banns II: Sean Patrick Dunn and Gabrielle Marie Carpanzano

Sunday Sung Evening Prayer is discontinued.

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Info: 203-324-1553.

Relics of Saints for May: On the Saint Joseph Altar, relics are displayed of: Saints Philip the Apostle, Athanasius the Great, Pope Alexander I, Monica, Pope Pius V, Venustus, Domitila, Helladius, Gregory of Nazianzen, Anthony of Florence, Philip Neri, Florianus, Boniface, Isidore the Farmer, John Nepomocene, Paschal, Venantius, Peter Coeler, Bernard of Siena, Secundus, Rita of Cassia, Crispin, Vincent, Pope Gregory VII, Nereus, Magdalene Pazzi, Felicitas, Restitutus, Ferdinand, Petronilla.

May 24: World Day of Prayer for China: Following the call by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to pray for China and the persecuted Catholic Church, the Cardinal Kung Foundation has reserved two Masses for that intention: May 24th at 12:10 pm and Sunday, May 26th at 11:30 am. Please pray for the end of persecution in China, and for the opening of the Cause of Canonization of Ignatius Cardinal Kung.

Weekly Sunday collection:
Sunday May 5, 2013 $ 12,470.00
Sunday May 6, 2012 $ 13,293.29

“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.” —Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

May 19th, Sunday Readings: Acts 2:1-11; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; or Rom 8:8-17; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26.

ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $51,027. Please be generous; we need everyone’s help.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved. CELEBRATION of the SACRAMENTS…End of the year party for the Religious Education program. PIZZA and PASTA, 5:45 pm on SUNDAY MAY 19th in the Church Hall (Awards)

Electronic Giving – Offertory Donations Made Easy…Consider using your credit card to make your weekly or monthly donation to St. John’s. Easier for you, and less costly for the parish than the printing and mailing of weekly envelopes, credit card giving automatically sends your weekly offering to the Basilica of St. John’s. Call the parish secretary (324-1553, ext. 21).

Lost & Found . . . Please check the Lost & Found in the Rectory for any items you may have left in the church. Feel free to call Cindy at the rectory, M-F, 9AM—1:30PM, 203-324-1553 x21.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. Please call (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: Supports women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term, providing pregnancy tests, connecting women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Call 348-4355 if Interested, or click onto www.birthright.org .

Job Seekers: Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: There’s no charge. Led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or 203-866-1606: Next meeting: Monday, June 3rd.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, May 11, 2013
4:00 +Florencia Seuolda req. Lucy Espinoza
Sunday, May 12, 2013
7:30 +Lina DeVivo 54th Anniversary req. Munro and DeVivo Families
8:30 Diane Strain req. Mildred and Joan Beirne
10:00 +Olga and Albert Annunziato req. their daughter
11:30 +Paul Evanko req. Tony, Chris and Joe Hylenski Uzar
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family
Monday, May 13, 2013
8:00 +Virginia and Eileen Carr Birthday Remembrance req. Marie Carr
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
8:00 +Dila Haidar req. her granddaughter
12:10 +Catherine Pascale req. John and Laura Pascale
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
8:00 In Honor of Mary Help of Christians req. Maria Trivino
12:10 +James and Adele Henson req. John and Laura Pascale
Thursday, May 16, 2013
8:00 +Clercy Millien req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
Friday, May 17, 2013
8:00 Monica O’Brien req. Salvatore Costantino
12:10 +Isabell Cywilko req. Jan Pasqua
Saturday, May 18, 2013
8:00 +Hope and Joseph McAleer req. the McAleer Family
12:10 +Natale Sposato req. the Mossa Family

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the parish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcomeContact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Will not meet in May.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: After the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. All are welcome!

St. John’s in THE ADVOCATE:

120 years ago, or so:
May 19, 1892: The Special Town Meeting. “The resolution following is the one adopted at Saturday’s special town meeting. “Resolved, That fifteen cents on each $100 of the grand list of the town of Stamford be and the same is hereby appropriated for the erection of a suitable monument to the memory of the soldiers and seamen who were residents of and belonged to said town at the time of their enlistment, and died in the military or naval service of the United States in the late war. That an Advisor Committee of five persons be named by the chairman to act. The Committee named by the chair in pursuance of above resolution are: Messrs. J.D. Smith, G.W. Anderson, Geo. E. Whitney, Rev. W. H. Rogers and Geo. Barlow.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: Rev. William H. Rogers was Pastor of St. John’s Church in 1892.)

75 years ago, or so:
May 17, 1940: ANNUAL MAY CROWNING CEREMONY TO BE HELD BY SODALITY ON MAY 26. “The annual May crowning ceremony of the Children of Mary Sodality of St. John’s Catholic Church will take place on Sunday afternoon, May 26, at 3. Arrangements are being made. Members of the Senior and Junior sodalities who expect to be in the procession will attend the rehearsal on Monday evening at 7:30 in St. John’s Church. Miss Cecile Labelle, president of the Senior Division, will perform the crowning ceremony.”

50 years ago, or so:
May 14, 1965: Priest To Say First Mass At St. Bridget’s. “The Rev. John M. Hamernick of 71 Strawberry Hill Avenue will be ordained a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport, May 22, in St. Augustine’s Cathedral in Bridgeport by Bishop Walter W. Curtis. Father Hamernick, a native of Stamford, attended St. John’s School, Stamford.”

30 years ago, or so:
May 19, 1981: “St. Anne Society of St. John’s Catholic Church will hold the eighteenth annual dessert-card party Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the church hall on Atlantic Street. The Rev. William A. Nagle, chaplain, is honorary chairman. Mrs. Neil Andrew is chairman and Mrs. Charlotte Esposito in charge of tickets. Other chairmen include Mrs. William Morgan, Mrs. John Sheridan, prizes and Miss Brigid Madigan, refreshments, assisted by Mrs. Patrick LeHane and Mrs. Mary Kenney. Serving on the general committee are Miss Theresa Clancy, Mrs. Eva Lynch, Mrs. Mary Costello, Mrs. George Sheridan, Miss Aurora Ventura and Mrs. Frederick Miller.”

The Well-Nourished Tree: Religious Education
“Celebration of the Sacraments”
May 19th in the Church Hall 5:45 pm
-Fr. Terry Walsh

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” –Psalm 1

Next Sunday, on the Solemnity of Pentecost, The St. Anne Society will host the end of the year celebration for the Religious Education students and their parents in the Msgr. Nagle Hall. It is a wonderful time to reflect upon the gift of so many generous teachers in our program who year after year donation their time and talent to the spiritual enrichment of our young people. At the same time, we will honor our students who have work so diligently throughout the year grow in their knowledge and understanding of God and to seek to imitate Him in Holiness, Faithfulness, and Love. Of course, our work here at the Basilica is an extension of the work that is being accomplished at home—the first and most important place of learning the faith and growing in love for God and neighbor.

Sacred Scripture is filled with beautiful images that tell a story about our relationship with God. The image of running streams of water evokes an understanding of life-giving nourishment for all that breathes. Water cleans, heals, nourishes, refreshes, and sustains life. It’s used in the sacrament of Baptism to symbolize the grace of God, which accomplishes all these works in the spiritual life of every soul that draws grace through faith in Christ.

At baptism we become like a tree planted beside the stream of Living Water, Jesus Christ. If we seek Him, our “roots” will reach out to Him. In other words, baptism begins our life in Christ, but the seeds of faith, hope, and charity planted in the garden of our soul by God Himself need to be properly watered. The tilling of that garden begins in the Domestic Ecclesia – the “House Church” – the home. The formation of faith for children necessarily begins through the fruit of the love of one’s parents. It’s essential that the mother and father demonstrate a faithful life of prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, and “live the faith through love.” When parents receive these “life-giving” waters in their souls, they are filled with the necessary “tools” to carry out their work; that is, they receive the gifts of an understanding heart, a courageous spirit, a holy desire to share their hope of salvation with their children. As a consequence, the children grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Presence of God in their lives. Education of children is of course an aspect of the vocation of Sacramental Married life and is the special responsibility of Moms and Dads. God will provide the necessary graces to parents to help them in the education of their children in the ways of faith, provided the parents cooperate with Him. It all begins with a faithful prayer life and fidelity to the Sacraments, especially Confession, Eucharist, and in the case of Parents, fidelity to the Sacramental Bond of Marriage. The conduit of grace that exists between Sacramentally married couples is the well-spring of grace that flows out to the children. Paul’s 1st Letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13, ought to be emblazoned upon the hearts and souls of all married persons. Unconditional love, in imitation of Christ, allows married couples to embrace their vocation in the truest sense and obviously summons the graces necessary to teach and defend the faith in the home. Indeed, parents will be held accountable for their participation in teaching their children the “Gospel of Life” – that is, the love of God and the call to discipleship. What sweet words they’ll hear from our Lord in Heaven: “Well done my good and faithful servant. Now enter the home of my heavenly Father.”

What a beautiful vocation! What a great responsibility our Lord places on the shoulders of Moms and Dads. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, My burden light.” And while there are many challenges to raising children in the world today, our Lord does not lay upon us more than we can handle, provided we ask for the help. When we turn to him in our need and ask for the grace of Wisdom, of Understanding, of Counsel, and so on, He will provide. We live in a troubled world that breeds confusion and obscures the path of righteousness. Children today face pretty big challenges, especially on the moral and spiritual fronts. Clearly, parents today have to be well versed in their faith so that they can teach the faith with confidence and live the faith in peace and joy – even in an unsettled environment – very much like the early Christians did so many centuries ago. Indeed, the Catechism emphasizes the special role that Moms and Dads have been assigned by our Lord: “The role of the parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute. The right and duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable”(ccc2221)…Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the ‘first heralds’ for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church. A wholesome family life can foster interior dispositions that are a genuine preparation for a living faith and remain a support for it throughout one’s life”(ccc 2225).
COME JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP and FOOD IN OUR CELEBRATION NEXT SUNDAY (After the 5 Mass)

Pastor’s Corner: William A. Nagle was born in Hartford on June 1, 1923 to Harold E. Nagle and Anne Lowe Nagle. He passed away on Friday, April 26th, at the age of 89.

During the 2009 celebrations commemorating his 60th anniversary of priestly ordination, Monsignor told his assembled friends and family that he first considered becoming a priest at the age of 9 years. He began formal seminary training at the age of 13, entering Saint Thomas Seminary High School in Bloomfield, Connecticut, graduating as valedictorian of his class in 1940. He continued at Saint Thomas for the first two years of college undergraduate studies. In 1942, he won the prestigious Basselin Scholarship in Philosophy, a three year intensive program, at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, and four years of seminary studies, he was awarded a Masters Degree in Philosophy and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, both with high honors. One of his professors and mentors was the Servant of God, Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He also proved himself a superb and avid tennis player. In 1948 he was assigned to serve as a deacon prefect at his alma mater, Saint Thomas Seminary [picture at left], was then ordained a priest on May 26, 1949 in Saint Joseph Cathedral in Hartford, and offered his first Mass at Saint John’s the following day.

Since all Connecticut at that time was under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Hartford, Father Nagle served in various parishes throughout the State, including Old Lyme, Kent, Sharon, Fairfield, South Norwalk, Shelton, Darien and Stamford. In Stamford, he was the founding Pastor of Saint Bridget of Ireland Parish, and then, in 1973, he was assigned to his home parish of Saint John the Evangelist on Atlantic Street, in which his family had worshipped for many years.

The 25 years of his pastorate at Saint John’s were some of the most trying and difficult of times, because of the continued deterioration of the City of Stamford. Urban Redevelopment was in high gear, and much of the downtown housing had been leveled, in preparation for the promised redevelopment that would not arrive for years. With few people living within the parish boundaries, and the parish school having been torn down in 1972 as a result of the additional flight of many to the suburbs, Saint John’s seemed doomed. Monsignor Nagle once told me that Bishop Curtis had instructed him not to become too comfortable at Saint John’s, because it would soon be closed and the buildings torn down. Following the Second Vatican Council, Bishop Curtis envisioned the replacement of huge and historic church buildings with smaller, more modern parish complexes as small faith communities. The result was disastrous, as even more parishioners of Saint John’s were cut off, as members of the smaller new parishes in Stamford.

Yet, Monsignor stayed put. With little funds, few people, and no support from the Diocese of Bridgeport, Monsignor soldiered on in the parish he loved: he maintained the aging church and rectory as best he could, installed an elevator in the church, as well as a new organ and an air conditioning system. But his most important work was his generous ministering to the spiritual needs of the parishioners of Saint John’s, and to all Stamford’s Catholics, serving as chaplain to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and to the Police and Fire Departments, alike. He worked every day to be a good priest, and he succeeded.

We owe him much. During his 60th anniversary celebrations, Monsignor reflected that “The important thing as a priest is to worship God and realize He’s above all and try to do everything for Him. The one thing I can say is, I wanted to be a priest, I became a priest, and I have no regrets. I loved it, and am thankful. Being a priest is my biggest happiness in life.” God bless him!
—Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Ian Rice, Maureen Henry James, Diane Grant, Huong Diep Nguyen, Kevin O’Byrne, Paul Cavallo, Peter Baccaro, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Msgr. William A. Nagle, Felix Boursiquot, Helen Moger, Alfred Preziosi, Brian M. Murray, Fr. James C. Hoge, O.S.B., Fr. David Howell, Mario Stano, Raymond Jean-Rene, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia.

***Ascension Thursday: May 9th is a holy day of obligation. Masses: 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8th and at 8:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m.; 5:15. p.m. on Thursday, May 9th .

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday May 6th.

Easter Duty: Each Catholic is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once yearly, during the Easter Season (Easter, March 31st—Pentecost, May 19th). That means each person should also go to Confession at least once yearly, to receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord worthily.

Banns of Marriage: Banns I: Sean Patrick Dunn and Gabrielle Marie Carpanzano

Sunday Sung Evening Prayer [Vespers] & Benediction: 4:15pm-4:45pm. In the Basilica every Sunday: All are welcome: Bring the family to pray and stay for the 5 pm Mass.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Will not meet in May.

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Info: 203-324-1553.

Relics of Saints: A very generous parishioner has donated a collection of more than 300 saints’ relics to our parish. They are organized in reliquaries by month. So, as you can see on the Saint Joseph Altar, there is a reliquary above the tabernacle, and each month it will house the relics of saints whose feast days are celebrated that month. So, for May, the saints’ relics are: Saints Philip the Apostle, Athanasius the Great, Pope Alexander I, Monica, Pope Pius V, Venustus, Domitila, Helladius, Gregory of Nazianzen, Anthony of Florence, Philip Neri, Florianus, Boniface, Isidore the Farmer, John Nepomocene, Paschal, Venantius, Peter Coeler, Bernard of Siena, Secundus, Rita of Cassia, Crispin, Vincent, Pope Gregory VII, Nereus, Magdalene Pazzi, Felicitas, Restitutus, Ferdinand, Petronilla. The Saints are members of the living Church, and we are joined to them through Our Lord, especially each time we offer Holy Mass and receive the Eucharist. Pray to them for your own intentions and for those of your family and friends, that they may intercede at the throne of God on your behalf.

Weekly Sunday collection:
Sunday April 28, 2013 $ 11,325.50
Sunday April 29 2012 $ 12,656.25

“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

May 12th, Sunday Readings: Acts 7:55-60; Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; Jn 17:20-26.

ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: Has begun. Many parishioners may have already received a letter from the Diocese. Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected for the Bishop are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $45,502. Please be generous; we need everyone’s help.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved.

Electronic Giving – Offertory Donations Made Easy…Consider using your credit card to make your weekly or monthly donation to St. John’s. Easier for you, and less costly for the parish than the printing and mailing of weekly envelopes, credit card giving automatically sends your weekly offering to the Basilica of St. John’s. Call the parish secretary (324-1553, ext. 21).

Lost & Found . . . Please check the Lost & Found in the Rectory for any items you may have left in the church. Feel free to call Cindy at the rectory, M-F, 9AM—1:30PM, 203-324-1553 x21.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. Please call (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: Supports women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term, providing pregnancy tests, connecting women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Call 348-4355 if Interested, or click onto www.birthright.org .

Job Seekers: Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: There’s no charge. Led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or 203-866-1606: Next meeting: Monday, May 27th.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, May 4, 2013
4:00 +James and Mary Hoban req. Kieran Malone
Sunday, May 5, 2013
7:30 +John and Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Sexton Young
8:30 +Joseph and Gabriel Fohngho req. Fohngho and Catney Family
10:00 Forgotten Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
11:30 Jimmy and Michelle Sagdati 12th Wedding Anniversary req. Mom, Billy,
Ricky, Brooke Morris and John and Lindsey Giglar
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family
Monday, May 6, 2013
8:00 People of the Parish
12:10 +Mary Loglisci req. Labrosciano Family
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
8:00 +Father Georges Mathelier req. Montanise Paulemon
12:10 +Jack Connors req. Margaret Fitzpatrick
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
8:00 +Doris McMahon req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Ed Sprunger req. Christine Rostafin
5:15 + Msgr. William A. Nagle req. Priests of the Basilica
Thursday, May 9, 2013
8:00 Forgotten Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.
12:10 +Fr. Charles Repole req. Joseph and Agnes Kung
5:15 +Teresa Nandera req. Scholastic Nabwire
Friday, May 10, 2013
8:00 Special Intentions Ann Mary Musiime req. Scholastic and Andrew
12:10 +Catherine Davis req. Micki Knight
Saturday, May 11, 2013
8:00 +Agnes Joseph req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10 +William J. Maloney 4th Anniversary req. Marie Maloney-Wife

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the parish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcomeContact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Will not meet in May.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: After the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. All are welcome!

St. John’s in THE ADVOCATE:

125 years ago, or so:
May 9, 1890: “The School Committee of this diocese visited St. John’s R.C. parochial school this week Wednesday. The pupils were examined, as is the usual custom, and the committee reported the school to be in a prosperous condition. This Committee consists of Fathers Slocum of Norwalk; O’Brien of Bridgeport; and Treanor, of Waterbury.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: Father James C. O’Brien would later serve as Pastor of St. John’s from 1900 to 1928.)

110 years ago, or so:
May 10, 1901: Crowded Houses for Liliputians. “The second night of the “The Liliputians in Fairyland, or the Cruise of the Polar Star,” saw a crowded house despite the unfavorable weather. The performance went off smoothly, and the children acquitted themselves well. The sailor chorus, under the leadership of Leo Conroy, made a big hit, and so did the chorus of the captive Zulus. The latter were called out three times. The specialties were all well rendered, and received liberal applause.”

75 years ago, or so:
May 9, 1936: Mother’s Day to Be Noted Sunday In Churches Here. “Mother’s Day will be observed in many of Stamford’s churches tomorrow, with sermons and special music in reference to “Mother.” At St. John’s R.C. Church, forty hours’ devotion will be observed in honor of the mothers of the parish, and the church will be decorated with flowers. Another “Mother’s Day” observance will be the mother and daughter tea which will be held by the Children of Mary of St. John’s R.C. Church following a reception of new members into the Sodality at 2 p.m. tomorrow, in the basement of the church. The tea will take place in the school hall.”

65 years ago, or so:
May 6, 1949: 2 Area Residents To Be Ordained By Bishop O’Brien. “Two men from the Stamford area will be ordained in the Roman Catholic priesthood in ceremonies at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hartford, on May 26. They are the Rev. Mr. William A. Nagle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Nagle, 9 Randall Ave., Stamford, and the Rev. Mr. James M. Tomney of Cos Cob. Rev. Mr. Nagle is a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School in Hartford, and received his Minor Seminary training at St. Thomas’ Seminary. He completed his undergraduate and graduate philosophical studies at the Bassalin College [sic] in Catholic University, Washington, D.C. He also studied theology at the Theological College and at Catholic University.”

Come, O Most Holy Spirit, Come
-Fr. Terry Walsh
The Sacrament of Confirmation

We are in the midst of such a Holy time of the year. After having been lifted up on the Cross for the Life of the world, our Lord rose from the dead, as He said He would, and then lived among the Apostles and Disciples for 40 days. On the Glorious 40th day, He Ascended to the Father in Heaven out of love for us. It is from there that the Father and the Son send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, Who will lead and guide us to all Truth. Ten days after the Ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost to dwell in the hearts and souls of all who are baptized and live a faithful life in Christ. We receive the fullness, or the “completion” of the graces of Baptism through the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Church teaches us that “by the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit…they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obligated to spread and defend the faith by word and deed”(ccc1285). Moreover, “this seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in His service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial” (see also Rev. 7:2-3; 9:4 and Ezek 9: 4-6)”(ccc1296).

What are the effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation? Well, clearly, there is an ‘outpouring of the Holy Spirit’ into the soul of the one confirmed. Our souls are indelibly marked with a special ‘character’ just as the Disciples souls were on the day of Pentecost, and we’re all aware of the effect it had on them. Recall that in the Garden of Gethsemane they all ran away at the moment Jesus needed them most. But upon receiving the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they were filled with the strength and love of the Holy Spirit and all became great witnesses to Jesus by the shedding of their own blood – martyrdom – save St. John. John was the only Apostle at the foot of the Cross during our Lord’s Crucifixion and death. Tradition holds that there was an attempt to put him to death too. He was then exiled and suffered “White” Martyrdom through daily persecutions, all for the sake of the Name of Jesus. When St. John writes in his first letter, “God IS love” he teaches us that we are called to abide in that love and be a conduit for that love. The Catechism teaches: “Love is the 1st gift of God, containing all others”(ccc733). And St. Paul reminds us, “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us”(Rm 5:5).

One of the most beautiful images of this relationship is the “Allegory of the Vine and the Branches” in the Gospel of John, chapter 15. In this chapter, Jesus reveals to his disciples, all of us, that He alone is the true vine and that we who are baptized into His Mystical Body are like braches on the vine. Just as a branch receives life from the vine and is able to bear fruit, so too are we able to have life and bear “spiritual fruit” through the nourishment we receive from Christ, “the Vine.” This nourishment, this grace, is the very essence of love, God Himself. It is the Holy Spirit who dwells in us and animates us, provided we cooperate with His inspirations and are docile to His promptings: “If you love Me you will keep My commandments.” “Follow Me.” “You are children of the Light; walk in the Light.” As children of God, we are, of course, called to live IN God in heaven forever. That gift begins here on earth, right now, through baptism. Our brief time on earth is our time to choose our eternal destiny. And our Lord pleads, “Choose the Blessing – choose life!!!” That’s not to say, of course, that we won’t make mistakes, etc., but that it is our intention to live “according to the Spirit” and that if we happen to fall, we have recourse to our Lord of Mercy, Jesus Christ. Indeed, through our humble acknowledgement of our faults and failings we may receive healing and nourishment through “The Vine”; that is, through the Sacraments, and so bear abundant fruit for the Kingdom of God – in our own souls, in the Church, and in the world. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit? In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul teaches us that the Fruits of the Spirit are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”(Gal 5: 22-23). Consider the words of St. Basil: “Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise, led back to the Kingdom of heaven, and adopted as children, given confidence to call God ‘Father’ and to share in Christ’s grace, called children of light and given a share in eternal glory.” Pure Gift!

We guard what we have received by “seeking the things that are above” – by faithfully living the Gospel in all that we think and say and do – by praying faithfully – and by receiving the Sacraments worthily and with thanks and praise.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THOSE BEING CONFIRMED ON MAY 7th!

Pastor’s Corner:

The Catholic Church has always employed the arts as vehicles for spreading the Gospel. Why? Because beauty offers easier access to the deepest realities of God than do words. “A picture is worth a thousand words”, or so the saying goes, and it is true.

For instance, one of the earliest images of Our Lord is the Good Shepherd, first seen in the Christian early catacombs in Rome, Naples, Sicily and Sardinia. But the image was not limited to funereal art. Tertullian wrote that as early as 210 a.d., the Good Shepherd was one of the most popular images found on chalices used at Mass [De pud. 7. 1; 10.12] . The image is based on the words of Our Lord, who described Himself saying, “I am the good shepherd, I know my sheep and my sheep know me” [John 10]. While Jesus referred to Himself as a shepherd, he was not one by profession. Yet, He employed the image as a way to describe His personal concern for us, His “sheep”, His followers. So, for the past 1,800 years, anyone seeing a picture of the Good Shepherd knows that it is an image of Jesus, even if there be no identifying sign nearby.

Another image Jesus used of Himself is the vine: “I am the true vine and my Father is the vinedresser. As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine, neighbor can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing” [John 15: 1; 6-9] .

If you look around our basilica, you will see golden grape vines with broad leaves and bunches of grapes, along much of the decorative woodwork: in the sanctuary, above the wood paneling. Nearby, lower down the wood paneling, you will find dark wooden arches, which are carved to look like branches with thorns on them. Both the grape vines and the thorns encircle the walls of the basilica: on top of the confessionals, along the choir loft wall and the glass and wood partition wall beneath, leading to the front door.

These vines form an image of our union with Christ: we derive our very life from Him. As branches are united to the Vine, who is Christ, through the shedding of His Blood—on the Cross, suggested by the thorns that formed His Crown. We share in the Body and Blood of Christ Crucified and Risen from the Dead every time we receive Holy Communion. Our union with Christ comes not by mere registration in the parish; nor by sharing ideas about Jesus, nor even by sharing Faith. Those are all basic starting points for a deeper relationship with Our Lord. The real relationship with Him comes by sharing His Divine Life through the Sacraments, beginning with Baptism, but coming to its fullness in the Eucharist. We are united with Christ by eating His Body and drinking His Blood—by taking the Resurrected Jesus into ourselves, literally, so He can transform us [John 6:52-59].

That is why He used another image of Himself: “I am the bread of life”. The entire 6th chapter of John’s Gospel is about Jesus as the Bread of Life: those who didn’t like the idea of eating His Body and drinking His Blood, left and went away. And Jesus let them go away, and turned on His Apostles to ask if what He had said was too much for them to accept, as well. He did not back down; He did not water down what He said by suggesting He had been speaking only symbolically. Jesus doesn’t fool around with our salvation! Some images He used are symbolic; most are not, including those by which He identified Himself as the Vine and the Bread of Life, the Shepherd and the Sheep gate. And all are part of Catholic art.

Spend some time looking around the basilica: the artwork is not there for prettiness: everything, from the colors chosen, to the images in the stained glass, and the plaster work, woodwork and carved marble work, all have meaning about Jesus and His plan for our salvation.

Salvation is too important and serious a work to be accomplished only by symbols: and the best way we can describe that mysterious and loving actions by God for our benefit is by the use of beauty in music, poetry, painting and sculpture, because these media speak directly to the heart and soul about the deepest mysteries of God.

—Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Maureen Henry James, Diane Grant, Huong Diep Nguyen, Kevin O’Byrne, Paul Cavallo, Peter Baccaro, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Felix Boursiquot, Helen Moger, Alfred Preziosi, Brian M. Murray, Fr. James C. Hoge, O.S.B., Fr. David Howell, Mario Stano, Raymond Jean-Rene, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia.

Catholic Home Missions Collection . . . Please drop your special envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory.

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday April 29th.

Easter Duty: Each Catholic is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once yearly, during the Easter Season (Easter, March 31st—Pentecost, May 19th). That means each person should also go to Confession at least once yearly, to receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord worthily.

Banns of Marriage: Banns III: Russell S. Loesch and Caitlin M. Harkins

Sunday Sung Evening Prayer [Vespers] & Benediction: 4:15pm-4:45pm. In the Basilica every Sunday: All are welcome: Bring the family to pray and stay for the 5 pm Mass.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Will not meet in May.

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Info: 203-324-1553.

Holy Roots! Continued: The Stamford Historical Society will host an afternoon presentation about the development of various churches in Stamford on Sunday, April 28th from 2-5 PM at 1508 High Ridge Road: cost is $15 for adults/ $5 for students under 18. For information and tickets, please call 203-329-1183.

Relics of Saints: A very generous parishioner has donated a collection of more than 300 saints’ relics to our parish. They are organized in reliquaries by month. So, as you can see on the Saint Joseph Altar, there is a reliquary to the left of the tabernacle, and each month it will house the relics of saints whose feast days are celebrated that month. So, for April, the saints’ relics are: Saints Theodosia, Francis de Paola, Pancras, Theodulus, Zeno, Pope Sixtus I, Cyriacus, Denis, Hilarius, Terence, Pope Leo I, Victor, Heriman, Valerian, Basilissa, Julia, Fortunatus, Anselm, Soter, George, Vitalis, Peter Martyr, Catherine of Siena. The Saints are still members of the living Church, and we are joined to them through Our Lord, especially each time we offer Holy Mass and receive the Eucharist. Pray to them for your own intentions and for those of your family and friends, that they may intercede at the throne of God on your behalf.

Weekly Sunday collection:
Sunday April 21, 2013 $ 10,579.00
Sunday April 22 2012 $ 11,264.92
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

May 5th, Sunday Readings: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29.

ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: Has begun. Many parishioners may have already received a letter from the Diocese. Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected for the Bishop are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $45,502. Please be generous; we need everyone’s help.

KENTUCKY DERBY: Save the Date!! May 4th: our annual parish fundraising event: the simulcast of the Derby in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, 4-7pm: outstanding food and drink, raffles, a live auction, and great fun. Come join us for the Kentucky Derby at St. John’s. Tickets can be purchased on the parish website or at the parish rectory office. All proceeds will be used for the repair, restoration and repainting of our 1850 Greek Revival Rectory.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. Please call (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@ diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: Supports women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term, providing pregnancy tests, connecting women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Call 348-4355 if Interested, or click onto www.birthright.org.

Job Seekers: Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: There’s no charge. Led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or 203-866-1606: Next meeting: Monday, May 27th.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, April 27, 2013
4:00 Special Intentions Margaret Chu req. Joseph and Agnes Kung

Sunday, April 28, 2013
7:30 +Anthony Lepore req. Rose Lepore
8:30 +James and Ismalia Machado req. Lilian and Alvina Ramos
10:00 Special Intentions Mabel Lewis req. Norma Jarrett
11:30 Special Intentions Tessie Mulhern req. Margie, Ernie, Brian, Mark Mulhern
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family

Monday, April 29, 2013
8:00 +Sister Gerard Barattino, FMA req. Dr. Joe McAleer
12:10 +Louise D’Onofrio req. Margaret Fitzpatrick

Tuesday, April 30, 2013
8:00 +William Yates req. Clara and Lisa D’Acunto
12:10 +Willie Longo req. Terri Rizzo

Wednesday, May 1, 2013
8:00 +Margaret Timon req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Deceased members Cappiello and Cebulski Family req. Duffy Family

Thursday, May 2, 2013
8:00 +Joan Edmonds req. Larry Bolanowski
12:10 +Andrew – AJ – Hoenig req. Terri Rizzo

Friday, May 3, 2013
8:00 Faithful Departed
12:10 Special Intentions Heloise Nana

Saturday, May 4, 2013
8:00 +Mark Czytowski req. Ewa Czytowska
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the pa rish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcomeContact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Will not meet in May.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: After the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. All are welcome!

ST. JOHN’S IN THE NEWS:
THE STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
135 YEARS AGO, OR SO:
April 28, 1876: “Right Rev. Bishop Galberry, of the R.C. diocese of Connecticut <sic>, confirmed between four-hundred and fifty and five-hundred persons, in St. John’s R.C. church, in Stamford, last Sunday.”

100 YEARS AGO, OR SO:
May 2, 1913: FR. COLEMAN PROMOTED. “Rev. Nicholas P. Coleman, for nearly three years assistant pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church of this city, has been appointed to the pastorate of a new parish formed from the west side of St. John’s parish of this city and from the east side of St. Mary’s parish, Greenwich. Father Coleman came to Stamford in July, 1910, and his zealous, intelligent and kindly work among his parishioners won for him the love of all with whom he became acquainted. Father Coleman will be succeeded here by Rev. Thomas Sullivan.”

50 YEARS AGO, OR SO:
May 1, 1963: Event To Promote Boys’ Interest In Becoming Priests. “A Day of Recollection for sixth, seventh and eighth grade boys to promote ocations to the priesthood will be held May 5 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Cecilia’s Church in Springdale. The Rev. William A. Nagle of St. John’s, Noroton and the Rev. Pierre A. Botton of Springdale, assistant vocational directors for the Deanery, will address the group.”

THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY CATHOLIC:
20 YEARS AGO, OR SO:
May, 1993: to be ordained. “Albert D. Audette, Jr., a native of Central Falls, RI, is the son of the late Albert and Mary Audette. He attended elementary schools in Rhode Island and St. Raphael’s Academy in Pawtucket. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Nebraska, and an M.A. degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Father Audette studied at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook, PA, and was ordained to the transitional deaconate on December 5, 1992. He served his deacon internship at Our Lady of Calvary Parish in Philadelphia, PA.”

10 YEARS AGO, OR SO:
May, 2004: Four men to be ordained. “On Saturday, May 22, Bishop William E. Lori will ordain four new priests for the Diocese of Bridgeport. Father Terrence P. Walsh, 44, grew up in Bristol, the son of Jack and the late Margaret Walsh. He graduated from St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH. He will celebrate his first Mass at St. John’s, Stamford, May 23.”

Come, O Most Holy Spirit, Come
- Fr. Terry Walsh

God has revealed Himself to as a personal God. He is not simply some unknowable distant force. He has revealed Himself as the essence of love, of purity, of holiness, and He is knowable to all who seek Him. He has revealed Himself as One God, but Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity is of course the greatest Mystery of our faith and through our assent of faith, that is, through our ‘yes’ to God, we are given bountiful graces to grow in our understanding. This gift of faith is sustained and nourished most especially through our personal encounters with Jesus in the each of the seven Sacraments. Each Sunday, just after hearing the Word of God, we proclaim our ‘yes’ when we stand and assert our Catholic Faith. During the course of our prayer, we say the words: “I believe in the Holy Spirit” – a distinct and equal Person of the Trinity. “The One whom the Father has sent into our hearts, the Spirit of his Son, is truly God”(Gal. 4:6). “When the Father sends his Word, he always sends his Breath. In their joint mission, it is Christ who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals Him”(Catechism, Article 689).

The Holy Spirit unites the faithful into the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ as He gives and sustains supernatural Divine life. St. Gregory of Nyssa describes this holy “anointing” in this way: “The notion of anointing suggests… that there is no distance between the Son and the Spirit. Indeed, just as between the surface of the body and the anointing with oil neither reason nor sensation recognizes any intermediary, so the contact of the Son with the Spirit is immediate, so that anyone who would make contact with the Son by faith must first encounter the oil by contact. In fact there is no part that is not covered by the Holy Spirit. That is why the confession of the Son’s Lordship is made in the Holy Spirit by those who receive him, the Spirit coming from all sides to those who approach the Son in faith.” At Baptism, we are anointed with the Sacred Chrism (Holy Oil specially blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass) on the crown of our heads and we hear the words: “God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into His holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of His Body, sharing everlasting life.” In the Sacrament of Confirmation, which completes Christian Initiation, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit when the Bishop traces the sign of the Cross on our foreheads, once again with the Sacred Chrism, and says: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Recall the words of St. Paul, “…those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit…to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace…But you are not in the flesh, you are in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God really dwells in you. Any one who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in you, although your bodies are dead because of sin, your spirits are alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through His Spirit who dwells in you”(Romans 8:5ff).

“Jesus said, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God…. The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit’.”(Jn3:5-8). At Baptism, we are literally born of water and the Spirit, as the Holy Spirit penetrates our hearts and souls breathing the life of Divine Grace into us and refashioning our souls, as it were, to begin our new and eternal life in the Body of Christ. As we progress in the Spiritual life by receiving nourishment that flows from the Sacrifice of Jesus, we’re able to be formed more and more into His Divine Likeness – in holiness – in love. St. John of the Cross put it this way: “God communicates himself most to that soul that has progressed farthest in love; namely, that has it’s will in closest conformity with the will of God. And the soul that has attained complete conformity and likeness of will is totally united and transformed in God supernaturally.” It’s the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that transform our wounded nature into the Divine.

Jesus – the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit – the Breath of God were “hidden” in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament as the Prophet Isaiah tells us (c.750B.C.): “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse (Jesus Christ), and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of Wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord”(Isaiah 11: 1- 2). Once baptized, we’re transformed by grace and become “living tabernacles” of the Trinity. As we grow in docility to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit and seek to “Do the Father’s Will” then, ‘the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth and will glorify Christ.’ Like the Apostles, we share in the outpouring of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit and are called to participate in the same mission.

Pastor’s Corner: April 21st—this year, Sunday—marks the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of the City of Rome by Romulus and Remus. This is more interesting than you might imagine, trust me!! According to legend, the twin brothers are the sons of Rhea Silvia and the god Mars, or at least the demi-god Hercules. Makes sense: if you are going to make up a legend to impress your enemies and competitors, why not make your founders offspring of the gods? Immediately after birth, the infant twins are set adrift in the Tiber River, miraculously saved, raised by a she-wolf—Lupa, which became the City’s symbol [picture at left]. Once grown, the two battle over where to build their city. Romulus won, killed his brother, and named the new city after himself—Rome—built on the Palatine Hill. Not a bad legend, as legends go. In 2008, archaeologists discovered a cave directly beneath the imperial palace built on the Palatine Hill by the Emperor Augustus. Decorative mosaics cover the cave interior. This may have been a shrine to she –wolf, venerated as the place where the founding twins were suckled and reared. Augustus was the first Roman emperor, who reigned at the time of Christ’s birth. Having seen himself as the founder of a new Rome, it is believed he built this “chapel” to the twin founders to support his claims and rule. While this of interest to historians, and the story is hawked to tourists for their entertainment, most people find little of the ancient myths and City ruins of lasting interest. The myth of Rome fascinates to this day: its architecture, legal system and innumerable military triumphs all fuel television shows and numerous historical studies. Yet the popular myth, while extolling the treasures by a civilization of high culture and lofty ideals, regularly overlooks the daily ancient reality of the City and Empire of the celestial Twins that embodied human cruelty and legalized human degradation.

But the present Rome does not attract the millions who travel each year because of ruins and legends of the she-wolf. Since the first century, another reality has drawn people: Saints Peter and Paul, the founders of the Church in Rome. One need only look back to March, with the election of a new pope—a new Successor to Saint Peter—to see the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, and tens of thousands of media people—who stormed the Eternal City. They did not come to see ruins; they did not gather at the Coliseum or the Roman Forum. They came across the Tiber River to the Basilica of Saint Peter to see the living Successor of Saint Peter, and to be part of the living Church personally founded by Christ, called “Catholic” by a disciple of Saint Peter, himself, St. Ignatius of Antioch, at the end of the first century.

Our Catholic Church and our Faith are not based on legend; our shrines are not sites recalling mythology. Our Faith is based on the historic Person of Our Lord, who entered human history during the reign of the Emperor Augustus, revealed to His Apostles the mysteries of the Faith, imparted to them in a unique way His power to forgive sins, and His command to offer eternal life to everyone on the planet, in every age and place. By God’s Providence, Peter and Paul came to Rome so that Christ could conquer the world beginning at the world’s heart, by those two who bore witness to the reality of Christ by courageously preferring death rather than deny the God who loved them so very much. The two greatest basilicas, of Saint Peter’s and Saint Paul’s, are built on the actual tombs of the two Apostolic Founders, martyred by the Empire.

The Rome of today is alive because of the Catholic Church and the ministry of Saints Peter and Paul. An ancient hymn for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul phrases it this way: “Oh, Happy Rome, consecrated by the blood of your two Princes.” All creation was changed when God the Creator entered into His creation to redeem it from the power of Evil. All world history changed when Saints Peter and Paul came to the capitol city of the ancient Empire to extend Christ’s words and grace. They came to restore all things to God in Christ, and the Catholic Church continues that work today, with the Successor of Peter at the helm.

So, while stuffy historians, like myself, revel in this anniversary of the founding of the ancient City, let us rejoice more heartily in Christ, who created a reality of eminently greater stature and worth—the Catholic Church, His Mystical Body, founded on Saints Peter and Paul, which is the reason the ancient City continues to exist, and for greater reasons than archaeology or tourism. For it is two real men, Saints Peter and Paul, and not the mythological twins, Romulus and Remus, who are the reason why the City is still great.
—Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Diane Grant, Huong Diep Nguyen, Kevin O’Byrne, Paul Cavallo, Peter Baccaro, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Felix Boursiquot, Helen Moger, Alfred Preziosi, Brian M. Murray, Fr. James C. Hoge, O.S.B., Fr. David Howell, Mario Stano, Raymond Jean-Rene, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia, Pat Orzo.

Monthly Collection . . . The second collection today will be the monthly collection for the parish. Your generosity is appreciated.

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday April 22nd.

Easter Duty: Each Catholic is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once yearly, during the Easter Season (Easter, March 31st—Pentecost, May 19th). That means each person should also go to Confession at least once yearly, to receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord worthily.

Banns of Marriage: Banns II: Russell S. Loesch and Caitlin M. Harkins

Sunday Sung Evening Prayer [Vespers] & Benediction: 4:15pm-4:45pm. In the Basilica every Sunday: All are welcome: Bring the family to pray and stay for the 5 pm Mass.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Will not meet in May.

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Info: 203-324-1553.

Vocation Holy Hour & Benediction: April 21st 2:00-3:00pm in the Basilica. Join us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Padre Pio: Mark your calendar for an important upcoming event here at the Basilica: Saturday, September 21st, 5:30-9:00 pm, Saint John’s will host an important exhibit of photographs by Gaetano Mastrorilli, who devoted his life and art to preserving the memory of Saint Padre Pio, one of the greatest and most popular of modern-day saints. His daughter, Patrizia Mastrorilli will be on hand to host this exhibit in the Monsignor Nagle Hall. Stay tuned for more details.

Holy Roots! Continued: The Stamford Historical Society will host an afternoon presentation about the development of various churches in Stamford on Sunday, April 28th from 2-5 PM. This year highlights the Stamford Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church, with emphasis on Stamford’s Gilded Age (1868-1893). The Stamford Historical Society is located on 1508 High Ridge Road: cost is $15 for adults/ $5 for students under 18. For information and tickets, please call 203-329-1183.

Weekly Sunday collection:
Sunday April 14, 2013 $ 13,522.00
Sunday April 15 2012 $ 13,930.49
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

April 28th, Sunday Readings: Acts 14:21-27; Rev 21:1-5a; Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35.

ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: Has begun. Many parishioners may have already received a letter from the Diocese. Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected for the Bishop are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $42,572. Please be generous; we need everyone’s help.

KENTUCKY DERBY: Save the Date!! May 4th: our annual parish fundraising event: the simulcast of the Derby in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, 4-7pm: outstanding food and drink, raffles, a live auction, and great fun. Come join us for the Kentucky Derby at St. John’s. Tickets can be purchased on the parish website or at the parish rectory office. All proceeds will be used for the repair, restoration and repainting of our 1850 Greek Revival Rectory.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. Please call (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: Supports women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term, providing pregnancy tests, connecting women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Call 348-4355 if
Interested, or click onto www.birthright.org .

Job Seekers: Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: There’s no charge. Led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or 203-866-1606: Next meeting: this Monday, April 22nd.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, April 20, 2013
4:00 Millie Terenzio Birthday req. children
Sunday, April 21, 2013
7:30 +John Mannes 52nd Anniversary req. Munro and DeVivo Family
8:30 Marion Morris req. Mildred and Joan Beirne
10:00 +Feroze Aslam req. Anthony and Josephine Marena
11:30 +Dr. Vincent Kung req. Joseph and Agnes Kung
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family
Monday, April 22, 2013
8:00 +Edward Heidig req. Kevin
12:10 +Leyda Esquebel req. Irsa Garcia
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
8:00 Sp. Int. Monsignor William Nagle req. Legion of Mary
12:10 +Demetria Garcia req. Irsa Garcia
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
8:00 Eric Ukcamaj req. Mule Ukcamaj
12:10 +Mary Loglisci req. Sharon Gannon
Thursday, April 25, 2013
8:00 +James Farrell req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Helen Pagnotti req. Jean and John Bendick
Friday, April 26, 2013
8:00 +Joseph L. Ballerini req. Salvatore Costantino
12:10 +Felix Boursiquot req. Ferry G.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
8:00 Sp. Int. Thang and Diep Nguyen Wedding Anniversary req. Thang Nguyen
12:10 +Frederick R. Schmitt req. Hannah Sexton Young

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the parish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcomeContact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Will not meet in May.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: After the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. All are welcome!

St. John’s in THE NEWS:
The CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC:
130 years ago, or so:
April 25, 1895: STAMFORD. “The Children of Mary will receive Holy Communion in a body on Sunday. There will be devotions in the church every evening except Saturdays and Sundays, during the month of May. Mr. John Ennis has charge of the work in putting in the pews of our new church which he expects to complete about next fall.”

THE NEW YORK TIMES:
85 years ago, or so:
April 23, 1929: JOHN ENNIS, 86, DIES; A NOTED ATHLETE. “John Ennis, who in the days when six-day walking races were popular, ranked with the kings of the sawdust path in this country and Europe, and who afterward attained championships in swimming and skating, died at his home here today of pneumonia, in his eighty-seventh year. Mr. Ennis was engaged in the contracting business here for many years before he retired. He built St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, one of the largest edifices in the State.”

THE STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
60 years ago, or so:
April 22, 1953: 3 Boy Scouts Gain Coveted Promotions. “The monthly Boy Scout Review Board for higher ranks promoted Explorer William F. Griesinger of Belltown P.T.A. sponsored by Explorer Post E 1 to Eagle Scout Tuesday night at the Scout Office. Fred Miller of St. John’s R.C. Church Troop 22 became a Star Scout.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: Frederick E. Miller, Jr., Esq. would later go on to become the Scoutmaster of Troop 22 and President of St. John’s Holy Name Society. He was also instrumental in the writing of the parish history published in 2012.)

THE STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
50 years ago, or so:
April 22, 1964: Diocese Awards 13 Scholarships To Area Students. “Two four-year winners are among the 13 Stamford area students chosen for scholarship awards to three Bridgeport Diocesan High Schools in Stamford, Greenwich, and Norwalk. Winner of a one-year scholarship to Stamford Catholic High, announced today by The Very Rev. Msgr. John F. McGough, superintendent of the Bridgeport Diocesan Schools, and Rev. Martin B. Hitchcock, assistant superintendent of schools, was Margaret Mary Black, daughter of Mrs. And Mrs. Frank Black of 117 Main St., Stamford, from St. John’s School, Stamford.”

Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit—Looking Toward Pentecost
- Fr Terry Walsh

As ‘children of the Light’ we are constantly receiving the graces of the Holy Spirit throughout our daily lives. We received this Light at Baptism and provided we are faithful to the Light, it will be kept burning brightly and attract others to the Light. Staying near the Light who is Christ is a deliberate act of our will. Our Lord tells us to ask for whatever you want and He will provide it – provided it is for the good of your soul. If we ask with humility and an ardent desire for union with our Lord, the fountain of grace will gush up from within us. These are the waters where our ‘soul is restored’ and ‘our cup overflows.’ In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us: “The Water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life”(4:14). We receive these graces primarily and ordinarily through the Sacraments – those magnificent ‘encounters with Christ’ who nourishes and sustains us. Through our faithful cooperation, He forms us into ‘children of the Light.’ We receive the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit so that we may grow in virtue and become holy, or as St. Gregory of Nyssa put it, “The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.” What exactly are the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit?

There are 7 Gifts and 12 Fruits. It would be helpful to review the Catechism of the Catholic Church for a more complete understanding (available in the St. John’s Bookstore or Online at www.vatican.va and then click on “Compendium”). The Church teaches us that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are “permanent dispositions” which make us docile in following divine inspirations. They are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and Fear of the Lord. We learn in Sacred Scripture that the beginning of Wisdom is ‘Fear of the Lord,’ also called ‘Awe and Wonder’. More specifically, it means to love the things that God loves – namely purity, goodness, truth, and holiness and to hate the things that God hates – namely sin, which harms us and separates us from God. Jesus says, ‘Ask for whatever you want in My Name, I will give it to you.’ Of course, we must sanctify ourselves first – that is, we must seek to live a faithful life and to be in the state of grace. Then, ask for the gift of Wisdom, just as Solomon did. Ask for the gift of Fortitude – courage – to do what is right even in difficult circumstances. Ask for the gift of Counsel – to know what to say – and sometimes what not to say – to people seeking a word of encouragement. Ask for whatever you want and then apply the gift of that grace to become a bright light to attract others to what is good and true and pure and holy through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are perfections formed in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists 12: charity, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity”(ccc). St. Paul speaks about these fruits of the Holy Spirit in his letter to the Galatians (5:22). When we ‘seek the things that are above’ we ‘bare fruit that will last’ – we ‘build heavenly treasure.’ And just as the exchange of love between the three persons of the Holy Trinity overflows into all creation, so too will the effects of the graces we receive overflow into acts of kindness, generosity, and love, and all the fruits of the Holy Spirit, Who dwells within us.

Pastor’s Corner: Christ’s saving work by His Cross and Resurrection remain with His Church throughout the ages, and whose power is transmitted to us daily in the Mass and Sacraments established by Jesus Himself. The Seven Sacraments are Christ’s Easter gifts to transform us to share God’s eternal life:

The Passover we now celebrate is the source of salvation for everyone, beginning with Adam, who is saved and brought to life. The great men and women and temporal events of the old covenant of Moses were images and pre-figurations of eternal realities, and their purpose was to foreshadow the truth that has now come in Christ. Once the truth is present its images must yield their place; when the king is present, no one bows to his statue.

It is clear how inferior the image is to the truth, the old Passover to the new one of Christ, for the old celebrated the short life given to the Hebrew first-born children, while the new celebrates eternal life given to every man and woman. It is no great thing to escape death for a brief season if one must shortly die nonetheless; but it is truly a great thing to escape death entirely. That is the good fortune of those for whom Christ has died as Passover Victim.

The very name of the feast manifests its excellence, at least if we look at the realities to which the name points. For ‘Pasch’ means the ‘passing over’; the destroyer who was striking the first-born Egyptians passed over the Hebrew homes, while still more truly has he passed over us, for he left us untouched who have been raised by Christ to eternal life.

What does it signify that the Passover and preservation of the first-born marked the beginning of the Hebrew year? It points to the fact that Christ’s true paschal sacrifice on the Cross is the beginning of eternal life. The year, after all, is the symbol of eternity, for it is a closed and ever-revolving circle, never coming to a halt. At the beginning of the year, then, Christ, Father of the world to come, was offered in sacrifice for us, and canceling our former life, gave us a new and unending life through the bath of rebirth in Baptism, in which we were assimilated to his death and resurrection.

Let each of us, then, strive truly to begin a new life and not return to the old one of sin, whose end has come. For if we are dead to sin, how is it possible for us to live in it? [Easter Homily of the Early Church]
++++++++++++++++++++++

The Son of God has taken human nature so closely to himself that one and the same Christ consists not only of that Man himself who is the First-born of every creature, but of all his saints as well. As the Head cannot be separated from the members of the Body [the Church], neither can the members be separated from the Head.

Although it is said of eternal life and not of our earthly estate that God is all in all, yet he dwells even now in his temple, the Church, as he promised: ‘I am with you all days, even to the end of the world.’ All that God’s Son did and taught, therefore, to reconcile the world to the Father is not simply a fact of history, but a present and operative reality. Himself born of the Virgin by the Spirit’s power, He now makes His spotless Church fruitful through the same Spirit, and she bears countless children to God in the birth of Baptism. Of these children it is written: ‘They are born, not of flesh and blood or of human desire, but of God.’ He it is who, excluding none, forms all the nations of the earth into one holy flock and daily fulfills his promise to gather all his sheep. Though he said to Blessed Peter above all others, ‘Feed my sheep,’ the Lord Himself is everyone’s Shepherd. He so strengthens them with His love that, as He did not hesitate to die for them, they do not hesitate to die for Him.

For, if we share the Body and Blood of Christ, we are assimilated to what we eat and drink. In all circumstances we will show forth in body and soul the images of Him in whom and with whom we died and were buried and rose to new life [Pope Saint Leo the Great, Sermon 12 on the Passion].
+++++++++++++++++++++++

The heavenly sacrifice of the Mass which Christ established is truly the inheritance-gift of the new covenant, left us as the pledge of His presence. It is provision for our journeying through this world until we come face to face with God.

He wanted His blessings to abide with us and desired that our souls, redeemed by His priceless blood, should become ever more holy and bear more fully the likeness of His Passion. Therefore, He bade His Apostles, the first priests of the Church, to celebrate unceasingly these mysteries of eternal life. They and all the faithful would thus, to the end of time, have daily before their eyes the symbol of Christ’s suffering; bearing it in their hands and taking it into their mouths and hearts, they would be unable to forget the redemption wrought for them [St. Gaudentius of Brescia, Treatise 2].
-Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Diane Grant, Huong Diep Nguyen, Kevin O’Byrne, Paul Cavallo, Peter Baccaro, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Helen & Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Fr. James C. Hoge, O.S.B., Fr. David Howell, Brian M. Murray, Mario Stano, Raymond Jean-Rene, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia, Pat Orzo.

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday April 15th.

Our Lady’s Altar Votive Light: +Bill Cody req. Cody Family

Easter Duty: Each Catholic is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once yearly, during the Easter Season (Easter, March 31st—Pentecost, May 19th). That means each person should also go to Confession at least once yearly, to receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord worthily.

Please pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he begins his new ministry as the Successor of Saint Peter and Chief Shepherd of Christ’s Catholic Church.

Banns of Marriage: Banns I: Russell S. Loesch and Caitlin M. Harkins

Sunday Sung Evening Prayer [Vespers] & Benediction: 4:15pm-4:45pm. In the Basilica every Sunday: All are welcome: Bring the family to pray and stay for the 5 pm Mass.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Will not meet in May.

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Info: 203-324-1553.

HARVEST NOW: is a statewide food growing project to help the poor of our neighborhood. We need volunteers who grow vegetable gardens at home. We all grow more vegetables during the summer than we can eat. So, possibly, you could donate some of your vegetables to the food pantry of your choice. Please contact Monsignor at the church office if you are interested.

Vocation Holy Hour & Benediction: April 21st 2:00-3:00pm in the Basilica. Join us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Padre Pio: Mark your calendar for an important upcoming event here at the Basilica: Saturday, September 21st, 5:30-9:00 pm, Saint John’s will host an important exhibit of photographs by Gaetano Mastrorilli, who devoted his life and art to preserving the memory of Saint Padre Pio, one of the greatest and most popular of modern-day saints. His daughter, Patrizia Mastrorilli will be on hand to host this exhibit in the Monsignor Nagle Hall.
Stay tuned for more details.

Weekly Sunday collection:
Sunday April 7, 2013 $ 14,221.00
Sunday April 8, 2012 $ 15,871.00
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

April 21st, Sunday Readings: Acts 13:14, 43-52; Rev 7:9, 14b-17; Jn 10:27-30.

ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: Has begun. Many parishioners may have already received a letter from the Diocese. Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected for the Bishop are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $39,467. Please be generous; we need everyone’s help.

KENTUCKY DERBY: Save the Date!! May 4th: our annual parish fundraising event: the simulcast of the Derby in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, 4-7pm: outstanding food and drink, raffles, a live auction, and great fun. Come join us for the Kentucky Derby at St. John’s. All proceeds will be used for the repair, restoration and repainting of our 1850 Greek Revival Rectory.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. Please call (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: Supports women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term, providing pregnancy tests, connecting women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Call 348-4355 if Interested, or click onto www.birthright.org .

Holy Roots! Continued: The Stamford Historical Society will host an afternoon presentation about the development of various churches in Stamford on Sunday, April 28th from 2-5 PM. This year highlights the Stamford Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church, with emphasis on Stamford’s Gilded Age (1868-1893). The Stamford Historical Society is located on 1508 High Ridge Road: cost is $15 for adults/ $5 for students under 18. For information and tickets, please call 203-329-1183.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, April 13, 2013
4:00 +John Maloney req. Mary Maloney
Sunday, April 14, 2013
7:30 +Deceased members of Sexton and Winter Families req. Hannah Sexton Young
8:30 +Francesca Lampariello req. Marion, Bill, Ricky Morris, Michelle and Jimmy Sagdati
10:00 +Tin Nguyen and for the recovery of Huong Diep Nguyen req. Nguyen Family
11:30 +Frank Ardisse req. Djemal and Michelle Sagdati
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family
Monday, April 15, 2013
8:00 +Bill Cody req. Cody Family
12:10 +Arthur and Anna Jean Guillaume req. Children and Grandchildren
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
8:00 +Jean Butero req. Barbara O’Brien
12:10 +Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Whalen req. Sharon Gannon
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
8:00 +Paul Rittman, Sr. req. Pam Rittman
12:10 +Joseph and Anna Young req. Joseph and Agnes Kung
Thursday, April 18, 2013
8:00 +Millien Family req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
Friday, April 19, 2013
8:00 +Frederic R. Lexow II req. Marchetti Family
12:10 +Thomas O’Connell req. Collins Family
Saturday, April 20, 2013
8:00 Jane Gannon req. Sharon Gannon
12:10 +Johanna and Tim Sullivan req. Mary Gaine

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the parish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcomeContact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Will not meet in May.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: After the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. All are welcome!

St. John’s in THE ADVOCATE:
135 years ago, or so:
April 21, 1876: “We learn the Rev. Father Tierney has secured the services of five Sisters of Charity as teachers for the parish day school, which opens on Monday for the summer term.”

115 years ago, or so:
April 16, 1896: “June 3, 1896 will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the ordination of Rev. William H. Rogers, pastor of St. John’s R. C. Church, and already preparations for the celebration of that event are being made. Invitations will be issued to the bishops and archbishops of various dioceses, and many church dignitaries are expected to be present. The societies connected with the parish are also planning to take part in the celebration, as well as the members of the congregation, and a parade and a number of other things are being talked of. It promises to be the most memorable event in the local church’s history.”

100 years ago, or so:
April 15, 1912: To Discourage Profanity. “At the meeting of the Holy Name Society of St. John’s R. C. Church, last night, a resolution to have anti-profanity cards printed and distributed, was adopted. The committee in charge of this work are James Brennan, William Ryle, Jeremiah Donovan and William Hyland.”

75 years ago, or so:
April 16, 1938: New Chimes for St. John’s Church. “New chimes in the spire of St. John’s Catholic Church on Atlantic St. were tested this morning in preparation for use in connection with the Easter services tomorrow. They were first tested yesterday, but tolled in monotone because of the Good Friday observance. Heard in their carillon for miles around the city, the chimes attracted the attention of many residents, particularly older folks who recalled that they had never heard a bell in St. John’s Church before. The Rev. N. P. Coleman, pastor, explained that the church never had a bell for the spire.”

5 years ago, or so:
April 18, 2008: Papal Honor. “Alessandro Marchetti was on his way to the New York Yankees’ opening night game when a call from his pastor made the day even better. Marchetti, 17, learned that he and his friend, Ferry Galbert, a fellow altar boy at St. John the Evangelist Church in Stamford, had been chosen to serve Mass in New York City with Pope Benedict XVI. Marchetti will participate in a service tomorrow. Galbert, 22, will serve in a Mass Sunday at Yankee Stadium.”

The Elevation
- Fr. Terry Walsh

What thoughts run through your heart and mind at that extraordinary moment of grace when the Consecrated Host is raised to the Father in sacrifice? What greater example of mercy could there possibly be? Jesus offers His very Body and Blood, laying down His very life for sinful humanity. It is truly the supreme act of love and mercy. What inspirations flow into the depths of your soul at that extraordinary moment? One faithful communicant once shared with me his response at that extraordinary moment of the Holy Mass: “My Lord and My God” echoing the words of the Apostle Thomas who probed the open wound in the side of Christ, piercing the veil, as it were, moving from doubt to true knowledge of our Lord’s Perfect Sacrifice. Thomas fell to his knees in thankful adoration – just as we utter those faithful words upon our knees and contemplate His love.

In those few brief moments, we gaze upon mercy and love Himself and see with the eyes of faith the vision Isaiah had been granted when he came to serve God: extraordinary Light emanating from the very Heart of God, exploding out to all the Universe, stamping out darkness, crushing all impurity, restoring Light, Happiness, and Peace. In those holy moments when I look up at our Lord resting in my hands I pray the prayer of St. Faustina: “O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a font of Mercy for us, I Trust in You.” He has revealed Himself as our Merciful Redeemer. He has offered Himself in sacrifice for our salvation; we are offered the gift of life in the Eucharist.

Our Patron, St. John, uses the images of Light and Water in his Gospel, as well as his letters, to describe the flow of grace, that is, the flow of mercy and love from the Temple, the Body of the Risen Christ. The vision of this glorious flow of grace described by John and seen by St. Faustina draws our eyes back to the tiny host wherein our Lord resides – for us. Thoughts drift back to that still moment when the Centurion thrust the lance into the dead Body of Christ Crucified, opening up the gates of life, never to be closed again. Let us not forget that that same Sword pierced the Immaculate Heart of His Most Pure Virgin Mother through whom the gift of eternal life came to us.

Like St. Thomas, the Centurion recognized in an instant that he was in the Presence of God. That Roman soldier, St. Longenius, dropped to his knees and believed and was washed clean in His Blood. What thoughts run through your heart and mind at that extraordinary moment of grace when you likewise find yourself at the foot of the Cross – at every Holy Mass and the consecrated host is raised to the Father in the most extraordinary act of love and mercy – for you? After all, we, too, have pierced Him. Yet, He forgives. He turns His Merciful gaze toward each one of us from the tiny host and He calls each one of us by name: “Come to Me…I will give you ‘Living Water’… ‘I will fill you with Divine Light’… ‘I will feed your thirsty soul with the Bread of Angels and streams of Living Water will forever well up from within you!’ How can our reaction be anything other than “My Lord and My God!”

Pastor’s Corner: For most of us, Easter is over. More important things have moved our way recently,—like Income Tax! While we might skip lightly past Easter, the Church does not, and celebrates Easter for 50 days, the amount of time Our Lord appeared in his resurrected body to His apostles and disciples. Why drag out Easter for 50 days? Here are a few reasons, expressed by some of the Church’s greatest early writers:

“Beloved, the paschal [Easter] mystery is new and old, eternal and temporal, mortal and immortal. To the old belongs the Law of Moses, prefigurations, the sacrifice of sheep. To the new belongs the Word [Christ, Himself], grace, and the Lord’s life. ‘He [Jesus] was led like a sheep to the slaughter,’ [as scripture says] but he was not a sheep; he was slain ‘like the lamb that waits in silence,’ but he was not a lamb. God took the place of the lamb, a man [Jesus] took the place of the sheep, and the man is Christ, who sums up all things in himself. The sacrifice of the sheep, the celebration of Passover, and the writing of the Law [of Moses] pointed therefore to a fulfillment in Christ Jesus, for whose sake everything in the old covenant took place. For the Law of Moses gave way to the Word, as the old Law became the new; precept yielded to grace, image to reality, lamb to Son, sheep to man, and man to God. Though the Lord was God, he clad himself in manhood, having suffered for suffering mankind, having been bound for us who are captives of sin; He was condemned for the guilty, and buried for us, who was buried beneath the weight of sin, He rose from the dead and addressed his fellows: ‘I have released those who were condemned, given life to the dead, and brought the buried from their graves. Come, then, all you nations of men, who are joined in a brotherhood of sin, and receive forgiveness. For I am your forgiveness, the saving Passover Victim, the Lamb slain for you. I am your cleansing and life, your resurrection, light, and salvation, your King. I bring you with me to the heavenly realm. I shall raise you up and present you to my heavenly Father. I am mighty, and I shall exalt you.” [Melito of Sardis, Homily on the Paschal Mystery.]

“In recalling the salvation given to us, St. Paul wrote: ‘As death entered the world through Adam, so salvation was restored through Christ’; and again, ‘The first man [Adam] was of the earth and earthly, the second [Jesus] from heaven and heavenly.’ He added:‘We carried in us the image of the earthly man,’ that is, of man grown old in sin; ‘let us carry in us the image of the heavenly man as well.’ That is, let us receive from Christ the saving grace of being redeemed and cleansed in him. As St. Paul says: Christ is the beginning, that is, the source, of resurrection and of life. Those who belong to Christ, that is, who live in sinlessness as he does, will be sure of sharing his resurrection and the heavenly glory he promises, for the Lord himself says: ‘He who follows me will not perish but will pass through death to life.’ The Savior’s suffering is thus mankind’s salvation. He willed to die for us that we who trust in him might live forever. He willed to become for a time what we are so that we might share his promised eternity and live forever with him. All this, then, is the grace proper to the heavenly mysteries which we are celebrating; it is the paschal gift given on this feast which we yearn for all year through, and it is the beginning of a new existence. Those reborn from the Church’s sacred baptismal font are clad in the simplicity of little children and give voice by their conduct to a sinless conscience. What day is Easter? The day that gave us the source of light and life, the Lord Jesus Christ, who said of himself: ‘I am the light of day; he who walks in that light shall not stumble,’ that is, he who wholly follows Christ shall pass in his footsteps into the land of eternal light.” [2nd century Easter homily]
-Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Kevin O’Byrne, Paul Cavallo, Peter Baccaro, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Helen & Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Brian M. Murray, Mario Stano, Raymond Jean-Rene, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia, Pat Orzo, Carlos Magan, John.

Our Lady’s Altar Votive Light: Pope Francis req. Joan and John Kronk.

St. Joseph Altar Votive Light: +Vincent and Ida DeRosa req. Joan and John Kronk.

Easter Duty. . . Each Catholic is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once yearly, during the Easter Season (Easter, March 31st—Pentecost, May 19th). That means each person should also go to Confession at least once yearly, in order to receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord worthily.

Altar Rail: Our old marble altar rail and brass altar gates have been sold to a Catholic church in Nebraska, and will be making the trip out West in another week.

Divine Mercy Sunday: Low Sunday, April 7th: A Holy Hour 3:00-4:00 PM with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Please pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he begins his new ministry as the Successor of Saint Peter and Chief Shepherd of Christ’s Catholic Church.

Banns of Marriage: Banns III: Alexander Michael Flaig and Martine Frances Delgado

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday April 8th.

Sunday Sung Evening Prayer [Vespers] & Benediction: In the Basilica every Sunday: 4:15pm-4:45pm. All are welcome: Bring the family to pray and stay for the 5 pm Mass.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Will not meet in May.

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Meets Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Please feel free to call 203-324-1553.

Feast of the Annunciation: At Saint Gabriel’s Church on Newfield Avenue. Monday, April 8th at 7:30 pm a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form [Latin Missal of 1962] will be offered, followed by a light reception in the parish hall. All are invited.

Weekly Sunday collection:
Easter Sunday March 31, 2013 $ 18,918.00
Easter Sunday April 8, 2012 $ 18,557.26
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

April 14th, Sunday Readings: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Rev 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19.

ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: Has begun. Many parishioners may have already received a letter from the Diocese. Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected for the Bishop are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $37,917. Please be generous; we need everyone’s help.

KENTUCKY DERBY: Save the Date!! May 4th: our annual parish fundraising event: the simulcast of the Derby in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, 4-7pm: outstanding food and drink, raffles, a live auction, and great fun. Come join us for the Kentucky Derby at St. John’s. All proceeds for the repainting and repair of the Rectory.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. For more information: Please call (203) 416-1619
or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: Supports women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term, providing pregnancy tests, listening to client concerns, and connect women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Call 348-4355 if interested. See www.birthright.org .

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved.

The Gospel of Life Society: This group which is devoted to maintaining a culture of life based on Pope John Paul II’s Evangelicum Vitae encyclical meets on the second Saturday of each month at St Mary Church, 669 West Ave, Norwalk for a Pro-Life Mass at 9:00 A.M. followed by a meeting at 10:00A.M. The next meeting on April 13, 2013 will feature Leticia Velasquez, author of “A Special Mother is Born,” who co-founded KIDS (Keep Infants With Down Syndrome) to raise awareness of the 92% abortion rate of babies with Downs Syndrome.

Holy Roots! Continued: The Stamford Historical Society will host an afternoon presentation about the development of various churches in Stamford on Sunday, April 28th from 2-5 PM. This year highlights the Stamford Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church, with emphasis on Stamford’s Gilded Age (1868-1893). The Stamford Historical Society is located on 1508 High Ridge Road: cost is $15 for adults/ $5 for students under 18. For information and tickets, please call 203-329-1183.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, April 6, 2013
4:00 +Virginia Carr req. Marie Carr
Sunday, April 7, 2013
7:30 +John and Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Sexton Young
8:30 Sp. Int. Maryella Callahan
10:00 Forgotten Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
11:30 Special Intentions Sr. Marie Buckley C.N.D. req. Carpanzano Family
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family
Monday, April 8, 2013
8:00 +Doris McMahon req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Sister Marguerite Hetu req. Montanise Paulemon
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
8:00 +Anthony Cichelli req. Barbara and Joe Bilotta
12:10 +William E. Arnold req. the Collins Family
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
8:00 +Thomas Flood req. Jean Velanzon
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
8:00 +Charles Boyce Sr. req. Ed and Julie McLaughlin
12:10 +Elvira Mendicino req. Pasquale and Ida Carpanzano
Friday, April 12, 2013
8:00 +Shirley Rittman req. Pam Rittman
12:10 Diane Strain – God’s Blessing req. Marion Morris and Family
Saturday, April 13, 2013
8:00 +Hope and Joseph McAleer req. the McAleer Family
12:10 +Kathy, Nicky and Kathleen Sperduto req. Mary Gaine

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the parish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcomeContact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, May 1st.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: After the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. All are welcome!

St. John’s in THE ADVOCATE:

120 years ago, or so:
April 7, 1892: Funeral of Patrick Reilly. “The funeral of the late Patrick Reilly was held this morning from St. John’s R. C. Church. Rev. Father Walsh officiated. A requiem Mass was celebrated. Mr. Reilly had been associated many years as organist of St. John’s and as principal of its Parochial School, and a large number of old friends were present. Children from the Parochial School to the number of 250 marched in procession from the school to the church. The services were very impressive, and at their close the remains were taken to Springdale for burial.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr. Reilly was one of two teachers at the original St. John’s School which opened its doors in 1862.)

100 years ago, or so:
April 11, 1912: Holy Name Society. “The members of the Holy Name Society will attend confession Saturday evening, April 13, in St. John’s Catholic Church. On Sunday morning they will meet in the lower chapel of the church at 7:15 a.m. and proceed in a body to the 7:25 Mass, at which they will receive Holy Communion. The attention of all the members of the society is called to the resolution passed at the February meeting of the society, asking each member to contribute $1 to the donation for the new St. Agnes Home at Hartford.”

85 years ago, or so:
April 11, 1927: ST. JOHN’S JUNIORS HAND NEW CANAAN JUNIORS BEATING. “The St. John’s Jrs. Walked away with their game Saturday night with the New Canaan Juniors. Playing on the club hall floor in Stamford, St. John’s took an early and commanding lead and turned in a 40—17 victory. The first quarter was fairly close and when Schultgen of New Canaan scored a dandy basket, the count stood at 9—6. But by the end of the half, St. John’s was leading by 17—6.”

75 years ago, or so:
April 9, 1937: K of C Furthers Plans for Noting Golden Jubilee. “Further arrangements for the week’s celebration of the golden jubilee anniversary of St. Augustine Council, Knights of Columbus, starting May 2, were made by various committees after a business meeting of the organization in the clubrooms, last night. Grand Knight Daniel E. Ryan announced another meeting will be held, Thursday night, at which applications for membership will be received. Another group of candidates will be received in the first degree of the order at this meeting, which will be held in St. John’s School hall. The candidates are expected to be on hand at 7:30.”

Divine Mercy Sunday
The Elevation
- Fr. Terry Walsh

What thoughts run through your heart and mind at that extraordinary moment of grace when the Consecrated Host is raised to the Father in sacrifice? What greater example of mercy could there possibly be? Jesus offers His very Body and Blood, laying down His very life for sinful humanity. It is truly the supreme act of love and mercy.

What inspirations flow into the depths of your soul at that extraordinary moment? One faithful communicant once shared with me his response at that extraordinary moment of the Holy Mass: “My Lord and My God” echoing the words of the Apostle Thomas who probed the open wound in the side of Christ, piercing the veil, as it were, moving from doubt to true knowledge of our Lord’s Perfect Sacrifice. Thomas fell to his knees in thankful adoration – just as we utter those faithful words upon our knees and contemplate His love. In those few brief moments, we gaze upon mercy and love himself and see with the eyes of faith the vision Isaiah had been granted when he came to serve God: extraordinary Light emanating from the very Heart of God, exploding out to all the Universe, stamping out darkness, crushing all impurity, restoring Light, Happiness, and Peace.

In those holy moments when I look up at our Lord resting in my hands I pray the prayer of St. Faustina: “O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a font of Mercy for us, I Trust in You.” He has revealed Himself as our Merciful Redeemer. He has offered Himself in sacrifice for our salvation; we are offered the gift of life in the Eucharist. Our Patron, St. John, uses the images of Light and Water in his Gospel, as well as his letters, to describe the flow of grace, that is, the flow of mercy and love from the Temple, the Body of the Risen Christ. The vision of this glorious flow of grace described by John and seen by St. Faustina draws our eyes back to the tiny host wherein our Lord resides – for us. Thoughts drift back to that still moment when the Centurion thrust the lance into the dead Body of Christ Crucified, opening up the gates of life, never to be closed again. Let us not forget that that same Sword pierced the Immaculate Heart of His Most Pure Virgin Mother through whom the gift of eternal life came to us. Like St. Thomas, the Centurion recognized in an instant that he was in the Presence of God. That Roman soldier, St. Longenius, dropped to his knees and believed and was washed clean in His Blood.

What thoughts run through your heart and mind at that extraordinary moment of grace when you likewise find yourself at the foot of the Cross – at every Holy Mass and the consecrated host is raised to the Father in the most extraordinary act of love and mercy – for you? After all, we, too, have pierced Him. Yet, He forgives. He turns His Merciful gaze toward each one of us from the tiny host and He calls each one of us by name: “Come to Me…I will give you ‘Living Water’… ‘I will fill you with Divine Light’… ‘I will feed your thirsty soul with the Bread of Angels and streams of Living Water will forever well up from within you!’ How can our reaction be anything other than “My Lord and My God!”

Pastor’s Corner: Happy Easter! Our Lord’s love for each of us is so extraordinary that no one is left out: He wished to save those alive and even those who had died before Him. The 16th century woodcut on the left is by Albrecht Durer. Like our Resurrection window to the right above the high altar, the guards are asleep as Christ rises from the grave: an image of the inattentiveness of humanity to Christ, even as He works to save us from eternal death.

This is a third century homily for Holy Saturday, a meditation on Christ’s descent into Hell: God had become man to redeem all aspects of human existence, even the eternal effects of mankind’s abandonment of God through sin—Hell, in which were all the dead since Adam. Christ, “who knew no sin, became sin”, as St. Paul wrote, took on the guilt of all human sin, and experienced even that final abandonment—allowing Himself to become repugnant to the Father, as the means to pay for mankind’s abandonment of God. His descent into Hell extended the power of the Cross to the dead—on Satan’s home court, granting them a share in His triumph over death by His bodily Resurrection:

“What is happening? Today there is a great silence over the earth, a great silence and stillness, a silence because the King sleeps; the earth was in terror and had fallen still, for God slept in the flesh and raised up those who were sleeping in death from the ages. God is dead in the flesh, and the underworld has trembled. Truly, He goes to seek our first parent like a lost sheep. He wills to visit those who sit in the dark shadows of death. He goes to free the prisoner Adam and his wife Eve from their grievous captivity, He who is God, and Adam’s son.”

“The Lord goes in to them holding his victorious weapon, the Cross. When Adam, the first created man, sees Him, he strikes his breast in terror and calls out to all: ‘My Lord be with you all.’ And Christ in reply says to Adam: ‘And with your spirit.’ And grasping Adam’s hand raises him up, saying: “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.”

“I am your God, who for your sake became your son, who for you and your descendants now speak and command with authority those in prison [Hades, cf I Pet 3:19]: Come forth, and to those in darkness: have light, and to those who sleep: Rise.”

“I command you: Awake, sleeper! I did not create you to lie bound in Hell. Arise from the dead, for I am life to those who have died. Rise up, work of my hands, my likeness, made in my image. Rise, let us go hence; for you in me and I in you, together we are one undivided person.”

“For your sake I your God became your son; for you, I the Master took on your form, that of slave; for you, I who am above the heavens came on earth and under the earth; for you, man, I became as a man without help, free among the dead; for you, who left a garden [Eden], I was handed over from the garden [of Olives] and crucified in a garden [Golgotha].”

“See the spittle on my face—it was for you, that you might have the breath of life again. See my cheeks reddened by the blows—it was for you, that you might be remade in my image. See my torn back—it was for you, that I might take the load of sin from your shoulders. See the nail-marks in my hands—it was for you, because you once put your hand to the fruit of the forbidden tree.”

“I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side, for you, who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side healed the pain of your side; my sleep will release you from your sleep of death in Hades; my sword has checked the sword [of the angel guarding Eden] which was turned against you.”

“Arise, let us go hence. Satan, the enemy, brought you out of the land of paradise; I will reinstate you, no longer in paradise, but I have a heavenly throne prepared for you. I denied you the tree of life, which was only a symbol, but now I myself am united to you, I who am life itself. I posted the cherubim to guard you as they would slaves; now, the cherubim shall bow down before you” [Patrologia Greca, 43: 439].

As we celebrate with our families today, let us remember why we celebrate: Because God, who created us in His image and likeness, humbled Himself to become a creature—one of us— in order to raise us up to share His Divine Life in the flesh. Our Lord died on the Cross to destroy the power of sin; He rises in His body to free all humankind from eternal death, all because He loves us so very much. The Lord is risen; He is truly risen! Happy Easter!
-Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Kevin O’Byrne, Paul Cavallo, Peter Baccaro, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Helen & Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Brian M. Murray, Mario Stano, Raymond Jean-Rene, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia, Pat Orzo, Carlos Magan, John.

Easter Collection . . . The second collection today will be the Easter collection for the parish. Your generosity is appreciated.

Easter Duty. . . Each Catholic is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once yearly, during the Easter Season (Easter—Pentecost, May 19th). That means each person should also go to Confession at least once yearly, in order to receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord worthily.

Divine Mercy Sunday: Low Sunday, April 7th: A Holy Hour 3:00-4:00 PM with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Please pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he begins his new ministry as the Successor of Saint Peter and Chief Shepherd of Christ’s Catholic Church.

Banns of Marriage: Banns II: Alexander Michael Flaig and Martine Frances Delgado

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday April 1st.

Sunday Sung Evening Prayer [Vespers] & Benediction: In the Basilica every Sunday: 4:15pm-4:45pm. All are welcome: Bring the family to pray and stay for the 5 pm Mass.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Will next meet during the Wednesdays of May in the Rectory at 7:30 pm. Our moderator will be Msgr. DiGiovanni, who will lead us in reading a spiritual classic by Saint Maximus the Confessor: The Life of the Virgin. All are welcome to attend!

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Meets Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Please feel free to call 203-324-1553.

The Holy Father has decided to retain his coat of arms from Buenos Aires, representing the Holy Family: the Sunburst in the top center bears the first three Greek letters for the Holy Name of Jesus: IHS, topped by a cross, beneath which are the three nails of Christ’s crucifixion. This is also the symbol of the Society of Jesus—the Jesuits—of which Pope Francis is a member. The star at the bottom left refers to Our Lady, and the cluster of grapes on the bottom right, to Saint Joseph. The miter atop the shield reminds us that the pope is the Bishop of Rome, and the crossed gold and silver keys, remind us that he is the Successor of Saint Peter: the keys being symbolic of the authority Christ gave Saint Peter of judgment [silver key] and mercy [gold key], to forgive sins and define truth. His motto: Miserando atque Eligendo: “Having mercy and choosing”, comes from a homily [#21] by the Venerable Bede, commenting on Jesus’ calling of the tax collector St. Matthew as an apostle: “Jesus looked at him with the inner eye of compassion and chose him, saying: ‘Follow me’.” God chooses us to experience His great mercy, not because anyone merits His mercy, but because He loves each of us so much. We, therefore, must imitate Christ by being merciful to everyone around us. The Pope’s coat of arms, and those of the Basilica, are displayed on the face of the choir loft.

Weekly Sunday collection:
Sunday March 24, 2013 $ 13,135.00
Sunday March 25, 2012 $ 12,459.41
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

April 7th, Sunday Readings: Acts 5:12-16; Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31.

Annual Bishop’s Appeal: Has begun. Many parishioners may have already received a letter from the Diocese. Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected for the Bishop are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $36,382. Please be generous; we need everyone’s help.

KENTUCKY DERBY: Save the Date!! May 4th: our annual parish fundraising event: the simulcast of the Derby in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, 4-7pm: outstanding food and drink, raffles, a live auction, and great fun. Come join us for the Kentucky Derby at St. John’s. All proceeds for the repainting and repair of the Rectory.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. For more information: Please call (203) 416-1619
or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: Supports women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term, providing pregnancy tests, listening to client concerns, and connect women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Call 348-4355 if interested. See www.birthright.org .

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved.

Holy Roots! Continued: The Stamford Historical Society will host an afternoon presentation about the development of various churches in Stamford on Sunday, April 28th from 2-5 PM. This year highlights the Stamford Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church, with emphasis on Stamford’s Gilded Age (1868-1893). The Stamford Historical Society is located on 1508 High Ridge Road: cost is $15 for adults/ $5 for students under 18. For more information, and to purchase tickets, please call 203-329-1183.

THE GOSPEL OF LIFE SOCIETY: This group which is devoted to maintaining a culture of life based on Pope John Paul II’s Evangelicum Vitae encyclical meets on the second Saturday of each month at St Mary Church, 669 West Ave, Norwalk for a Pro-Life Mass at 9:00 A.M. followed by a meeting at 10:00A.M. The next meeting on April 13, 2013 will feature Leticia Velasquez, author of “A Special Mother is Born,” who co-founded KIDS (Keep Infants With Down Syndrome) to raise awareness of the 92% abortion rate of babies with Downs Syndrome.

Job Seekers: Next meeting is this Monday, April 1st at 7:30 PM in the rectory. Led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Redinc, LLC, provides job interview coaching, resume writing and job search coaching. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or 203-866-1606. There is no charge.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, March 30, 2013
4:00 NO 4PM MASS
8:00PM Easter Vigil – +Brian Murray req. Monsignor DiGiovanni
Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013
7:30 People of the Parish
8:30 People of the Parish
10:00 People of the Parish
11:30 People of the Parish
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family
Monday, April 1, 2013
8:00 People of the Parish
12:10 +Martin Santiago req. Marie Pearl Mayo
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
8:00 +Margaret Timon req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Helen Cappiello req. Duffy Family
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
8:00 +Gene Tushaj req. Age
12:10 +Rolando Garcia req. Irsa Garcia
Thursday, April 4, 2013
8:00 +Anthony Carlucci req. Marguerite and Gene Giaquinto
12:10 +Barbara Owen req. the Collins Family
Friday, April 5, 2013
8:00 Faithful Departed
12:10 Monsignor DiGiovanni req. Ferry G.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
8:00 +Patrick Kevin Harding req. Mary Bridget Gaine
12:10 +Robbie, Mary and Raymond Gaine req. Mary Gaine

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the parish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcomeContact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, May 1st.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: After the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. All are welcome!

St. John’s in THE ADVOCATE:
130 years ago, or so:
April 22, 1881: “In the Roman Catholic church Easter is always a high day. The music last Sunday was especially good in the evening, at vespers. The choir was assisted on this occasion by Mr. Griswold, Mr. Parker and Mr. E. Carey. The soprano of the regular choir, Miss Annie Weed, was in splendid voice for the evening programme, and sang her solos to the evident pleasure of the vast congregation, who listened with intense delight to the music throughout. It was quite apparent that Mr. Chas. W. Smith, the accomplished organist, had taken great pains in preparing the programme and drilling the choir, for the result was very satisfactory. His own part was rendered in a masterly way and the new organ of the church, with its beautiful variety of stops, which he knows so well how to combine, was made to speak forth in pleasing tempo, as can alone be done by one familiar with the mechanical construction of the “king of instruments.” Rev. Father Walsh delivered an address in the evening on the lessons of the resurrection of Christ, as pleasing and as orthodox as one could wish to hear from any pulpit.”

75 years ago, or so:
March 29, 1937: Churches Are Filled At Easter Sunday Services. “Thousands of Stamford people attended church services here, Easter Sunday, participating in religious celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Preaching at St. John’s R.C. Church, Rev. Charles
Hagaerty said in part: “The eternal Galilean has conquered the world, and His victory is complete. The Angel of Death slowly and somberly folds back the dark wings overhanging the living crucifix on Calvary’s Hill. Its writhing victim is now still. He who called Himself King of the Jews now stand a lifeless corpse, exposed to the chilly evening wind of the now darkened Jerusalem. Never has any man spoken as this man, but He would speak no more. No more would He uncover and expose the foolish wisdom of the proud Scribes and Pharisees. No more would He blaspheme and call Himself the Christ. He who had saved others could not save Himself. Saturday passed and the Roman world was now at ease. But when the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and the mother of James and Salome came early to the tomb that they might anoint His body with sweet spices. And as they stood at the tomb, behold an angel spoke His unwritten epitaph: ‘He is risen; He is not here; behold the place where they laid Him’. Armed with the sacred truth of Christ’s Resurrection, my dear Catholic brethren, we, too go forth to direct our lives to Christ. Let its truth sink into our souls, and nothing can ever loosen its grasp. This the Risen Christ cries out today to each of us today to suffer with Him and to die with Him that we may one day rise with Him.”

Christ our Light
- Fr. Terry Walsh

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”(Jn 10:10)

My first year of Theology in Major Seminary was the Jubilee Year, 2000. Naturally, the Church offered many special graces for the faithful throughout the world. One of those graces was the chance to view the Shroud of Turin, the burial garment of our Lord. On our first free weekend, 15 of my classmates and I took the overnight train from Rome to Turin so that we might have a glimpse of the Holy Shroud. It was an amazing experience, a grace filled moment. One of the most startling things I learned about the Shroud was that the Image left upon the cloth was the result of a “Radiant Light” characteristic of a Nuclear Blast. It was the immediate image left at the moment of His Resurrection. He has Risen! He is God! And he has come to rescue his sheep and to put His enemies beneath His feet. The Light will not be extinguished. He has triumphed over death and offers life to all who follow Him.

Light shines on the darkness and reveals the Truth. Darkness, on the other hand, reminds us of falsehood, of sin, and ultimately of death. In John’s Gospel we hear these words: “In Him [the Word, Jesus Christ] was life, and the life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…. The True Light that enlightens every man was coming into the world.” Consider Jesus miraculous birth in the Stable. Indeed, throughout His public Ministry, he enlightened all his witnesses by miracle after miracle, teaching after teaching, enlightening all who followed Him. At His Transfiguration, His glory was revealed once again in blinding light. How is it then that so many remained in the dark?

As Jesus “Hour” approached, the true intentions of the hearts of all were made manifest. Many preferred the “cozy cave of ignorance” rather than the “Light of Christ.” In order to receive the Light, the human heart must be willing to let go of false teachings that may seem “comfortable” and instead freely choose to walk in the Light – even when that walk requires some extra effort. To leave what is comfortable can be difficult. Contemplating Jesus words requires humility and a desire for Truth. Putting those words into action requires some work, perhaps even some manner of purification, which would naturally involve some measure of suffering. In the end, it becomes a decision to love. There is no love without sacrifice. Sadly, many looked upon Jesus as one who simply drew attention to Himself for some selfish reason. They accused Him of bringing division to the so-called “community.” Their hearts were in the dark and their lack of humility revealed their own selfish desires. Their refusal to be transformed by the Light ultimately led to shouts of “Crucify Him!” They sought to extinguish the Light. They missed the point entirely. Jesus came to give life. But they “had not the love of God within them”(John 5:42).

As they mocked him while he suffered His frightful agony upon the Cross, their pride punctuated a false victory over He who exposed their deceit, their contempt for God. Opening His side with the lance, the final blow of hate, would instead reveal the Light of Truth. The Blood and Water that flowed from His Wounded Sacred Heart became the very Light of divine grace that would wash away the darkness. In His Glorified Body, streams of Healing Light beam from His Merciful Heart and all who seek Him with humility and love are filled with this Light. “I am the Light of the world; he who follows me will have the Light of Life”(John 8:12). “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

We receive this Light most abundantly through the Sacraments. It is precisely sacramental grace that transforms our souls making us holy; sacrament grace imparts wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, piety, fortitude, as well as awe and wonder. As we grow in grace, we walk more and more in the Light. It’s that simple. It is the “well lit path” that leads to Heaven. When we walk in the Light we will not fall into the snags and potholes of falsehoods, lies, deceits, and spiritual laziness that try to derail us from union with God. We just need to take that 1st step – that act of faith in our heart. Open the door just a crack and let the Radiant Light of Christ lead you from the darkness into the warmth and peace and joy and happiness of life IN HIM. He has Risen! He has come to give life…

Pastor’s Corner: I have heard it commented that God is cruel, since He permitted, even required, His Son to suffer. That is a comment made by individuals who know little about God, and less about the reality of God’s love for us. Jesus died, not because a cruel God required the suffering; God became a man and suffered in the flesh because mankind’s sins are so enormous; our own outrages so cruelly astounding, that they could be paid for and their effects overcome only by the suffering of the Eternal Son: the Creator of the universe, humbled to become a creature, in order to suffer to raise us up from our own self-inflicted corruption, and to repay us for our crimes–with eternal life in the flesh. Here are two of the clearest narratives of Jesus’ divine generosity in our regard on the first Good Friday, which led to His and our triumph over death: nailed to a Cross in the flesh taken in the womb of the Virgin, buried in a borrowed grave and raised in the Easter Resurrection of God in the flesh: all done for us. Be grateful! Use these as mediations for Holy Week; join us on Holy Thursday, Friday and Holy Saturday as we accompany Our Lord.

“Jesus freely goes forth to the sufferings foretold for him; indeed he had himself foretold them to his disciples and had been forced to upbraid Peter, who took the prediction badly. The salvation of the world was to hang upon this suffering. Jesus therefore declared himself to those who were searching for him: ‘I am the one you seek.’ When accused, he did not answer; when he could have hidden, he would not, even though he evaded attack on several other occasions.

“Moreover, he weeps for Jerusalem, which by its unbelief was its own downfall, and he condemns the glorious temple to total ruin. He bears patiently a blow to the head from a man who was twice over a slave. He is slapped, spat upon, insulted, tortured, whipped, and finally nailed to the Cross with two thieves to share his suffering. He is numbered among murderers and felons, drinks the bitter sap of an evil vine, is crowned with thorns instead of palm-sprigs and grape-clusters; he is pierced with a lance and finally buried.

“All this he suffered for our salvation. Those who were slaves to sin were also subject to the penalty of sin; he was sinless and the wholly just Man, but he bore the punishment for our sins and by his death on the Cross lifted the ancient curse [of Adam]. He took on himself the bitter sorrows of mortal, suffering man; he made human deformity his own and restored man to his lofty estate.

“The [royal] purple garb of mockery pointed to the true King, the reed on his head to the weakness of Satan’s power; the slaps he received were the pledge of our freedom. Thus he bore the insults and afflictions that were our due.

“His side, like Adam’s was pierced, but from it came, not a woman whose mistake brought death, but a fountain of life to enliven the world. A twofold stream flows from the fountain; it give us rebirth in the baptistery and feeds us as children at God’s altar and table [at Mass]” (Saint Theodoret of Cyrrhus, On the Incarnation of the Lord ).

Here is another work, observing the love of God made visible in the flesh:

“The true worshiper of the Lord in his Passion should look upon the crucified Jesus with the eyes of the heart and recognize in Jesus’ flesh your own. For there is no one so weak that the victory of the Cross fails you, no one whom Christ’s prayer cannot help. If Christ did good to his enemies who raged against him, how much more to you when you turn to him? He has pierced through our ignorance and strengthened us in our weakness. . .

“Let us, then not be so arrogantly and anxiously immersed in the business of our present life that we do not strive wholeheartedly to follow the example of our Redeemer and to become like him. Everything he did and endured was for our salvation so that the power inherent in Jesus, the Head, might enter into us, the members of His Body [The Church], as well.

“When God took our mortal substance unto himself and ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,’ what person . . . was excluded from his merciful embrace? Can you not recognize your own weakness in Christ’s? Who cannot see that in his nature as our fellow-servant, Christ who ate and slept, was sad and wept in his loving concern for us?

“Our nature was to be healed of its ancient wounds and purified of the infection of sin. Therefore, the Only-begotten of God became one of the sons of men that he might have not only the fullness of divinity but an authentic manhood as well. It was for our sake that he lay lifeless in the tomb and rose on the third day and ascended to the right hand of the Father’s majesty.” (Pope Saint Leo the Great, Sermon 15, On the Lord’s Passion).
-Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick: Peter Baccaro, Mario Stano, Yvette Constant, Sheila Beirne, Thomas Beirne, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Harrie Humphreys, Lena Cocchia, Msgr. Peter Dora, Gary Everett, Connie Ward, Helen & Flint Moger, Kathleen Moger, Catherine Olnek, Margaret Kelly, Robert Ruddy, Michael Bauer, Frank Pironto, Anthony Sansone, Ann DiGiovanni, Rita Timon, Barbara Castle, Monsignor William Nagle, Vincenza Rosa Parisi, Patricia Moriarty, Maureen Ferguson, Julia Oliveira.

Please pray for those who have recently died: Brian M. Murray, Caroline Pavia, Virginia Raiteri, Myrtle Rocco, Frank Pironto, Betsabe Chung, Dorothy Konopka, Patricia Lee Thiesfeldt, Nancy Claire O’Shea, Louis Angenola, Gerard Phillippe, Naida Cognetta, Cheryl Wolven, Richard Lauture, Mauril Lauture, Eduardo Aquiles, Celia Perdigon, Marge Sabia, Pat Orzo, Carlos Magan, John Lyons, Louise Sebastian, Louise LiVolsi, Federico Garcia, Francesca Lampariello, Titina Tarantino, Barbara Jones, Rosino Zezima, Mary Loglisci, Andrew Joseph Hoenig.

Please pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he begins his new ministry as the Successor of Saint Peter and Chief Shepherd of Christ’s Catholic Church.

HOLY WEEK CONFESSION:Monday-Wednesday: 7:30-7:50am & 11:30-11:50am;
Holy Thursday & Good Friday: 11:30-12noon;
Holy Saturday: 11:30-12:30pm;
Easter Sunday: 7:00-7:30am, 9:30-10am., 11:00-11:30am.

HOLY WEEK MASS CANCELLATIONS: Holy Thursday (Mar.28th) & Good Friday (Mar. 29th): NO 8am or 12:10pm Masses; Holy Saturday (Mar. 30th) NO 8am, 12:10 pm or 4pm Masses.

HOLY WEEK MASS SCHEDULE: Monday-Wednesday: 8am & 12:10 pm;
Holy Thursday (Mar. 28th): 8pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper & Adoration until midnight;
Good Friday (Mar. 29th): 3pm: Passion of Our Lord;
Holy Saturday (Mar. 30th): 8pm: Easter Vigil.

Banns of Marriage: Banns I: Alexander Michael Flaig and Martine Frances Delgado

Our Lady’s Altar Votive Light Memorial. . . +Edward and Bill Cody req. Cody Family

GOOD FRIDAY FAST & ABSTINENCE: On Good Friday, all Catholics age 14 and older are obliged to abstain from eating meat. Likewise, all Catholics 18 years old to 59 are obliged to fast: take only one full meal and two small meals are to be eaten, with no snacks between meals, as a sign of penance on the day of Christ’s saving death. If one is ill, or weakened because of bad health, these rules do not apply.

Monday Evening Holy Hour: Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Basilica. Next Holy Hour, Monday March 25th.

Sunday Sung Evening Prayer [Vespers] & Benediction: In the Basilica every Sunday: 4:15pm-4:45pm. All are welcome: Bring the family to pray and stay for the 5 pm Mass.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Will meet again in the Rectory on the Wednesdays in March: 6, 13, 20 & 27. Our moderator will be Father Michael Novajosky, who will lead us in our reading and study of the Life of Moses, a spiritual classic by Saint Gregory of Nyssa. Great for Lent!

Latin Reading Group: Wednesdays: 6:15 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Biblical Greek Grammar: An intermediate grammar and reading class: Some basic grammatical knowledge of Biblical Greek is required. Meets Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Rectory.

RCIA Classes: (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Tuesdays in the Rectory, 7:00pm-9pm. Anyone interested in becoming Catholic is welcome to attend. Anyone who has not yet received the Sacrament of CONFIRMATION is encouraged to attend. Please feel free to call 203-324-1553.

KENTUCKY DERBY: Save the Date!! May 4th: our annual parish fundraising event: the simulcast of the Derby in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, 4-7pm: outstanding food and drink, raffles, a live auction, and great fun. Come join us for the Kentucky Derby at St. John’s. All proceeds for the repainting and repair of the Rectory.

Weekly Sunday collection:
Sunday March 17, 2013 $ 12,947.00
Sunday March 18, 2012 $ 13,834.84
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

March 31st, Sunday Readings: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Col 3:1-4; Jn 20:1-9.

Statues are covered: As the Church enters the holiest time of the year, preparing to commemorate Our Lord’s Holy Week, the statues are covered because not even the saints should distract us from meditating on Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection.

Palm Sunday: Palms will be blessed and distributed during all the Weekend Masses: Saturday 4pm Vigil Mass; Sunday 7:30, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 am, 5:00, 6:00pm Masses.

Annual Bishop’s Appeal: Has begun. Many parishioners may have already received a letter from Bishop Lori. Saint John’s annual goal, set by the diocese, is $100,000. The funds collected for the Bishop are used for the numerous charitable and educational works of the Diocese. We have collected to date: $31,762. Please be generous.

Divine Mercy Sunday: Low Sunday, April 7th: A Holy Hour 1:00-2:00 PM with the Holy Rosary, Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Home Schooling Families: A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the Nagle Hall. All ages are welcome. Please contact Bridget Bethray at bridget.bethray@gmail.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

Project Rachel Ministry: Offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. Come back to God, who is love and mercy. For more information: Please call (203) 416-1619
or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Voluntary Services for the Blind: Bring sunshine to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed to be drivers, readers, friendly visitors, shoppers and clerical assistants for legally blind persons. For information, call 203-324-6611, ext 2.

Birthright of Greater Stamford is seeking volunteers: to help support women with unplanned pregnancies to bring their babies to term. Volunteers provide pregnancy tests, listen to client concerns, and connect women with medical, financial, legal and other needed resources. Ability to commit 3 hours per week in the office is desirable. Schedules are flexible, and training is provided. Birthright is located at 388 Summer St., Stamford. Please call the office at 348-4355 if interested. See www.birthright.org for more information.

St John’s Flock (20′s and 30′s Young Adult Ministry): Come join the Flock for monthly Faith Formation meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month and other social/service events. For more information, please go to stjohnsflock.com or email core-team@stjohnsflock.com.

Francis & Clare: Our High School Youth Group. Students interested in being part of the Teen Leadership Group: E-mail Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com to get involved.

Job Seekers: Next meeting is Monday, April 1st. at 7:30 PM in the rectory. Led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Redinc, LLC, provides job interview coaching, resume writing and job search coaching. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or 203-866-1606. There is no charge for these meetings.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, March 23, 2013
4:00 +Deceased members of the Curioni Family req. Leon Taricani
Sunday, March 24, 2013
7:30 +Michelina Cicarelli req. Debbie Sandri and Terry DiGiacomo-Galla
8:30 +Bill Duggan req. Marchetti Family
10:00 +Francis Cronin req. Family
11:30 +William Borkowski req. Ann and Michael Borkowski
5:00 +Alphonse and Lucy Alagia
6:00 +Patrick Kane and Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane and Family
Monday, March 25, 2013
8:00 Missionary Sisters of Immaculate Conception req. Montanise Paulemon
12:10 +Joseph Davy req. Ann Lepore
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
8:00 +Mary Windsor req. Joseph and Agnes Kung
12:10 Special Intentions Ricardo Rene req. Ferry G.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
8:00 +Patrick Uva req. Frank and Beth Carpanzano
12:10 In Honor of the Blessed Mother and Saint Jude req. Duffy Family
8:00pm Tenebrae Service
TRIDUUM SACRUM
HOLY THURSDAY, March 28 -The church remains open until 12 midnight for Adoration.
NO 8AM or 12:10PM Masses
8:00PM: Mass of the Lord’s Supper: People of the Parish
GOOD FRIDAY, March 29
NO 8AM or 12:10 PM Masses
3:00PM Liturgy of Lord’s Passion
HOLY SATURDAY, March 30
NO 8AM, 12:10PM or 4PM MASSES
8:00PM Easter Vigil: +Brian Murray req. Monsignor DiGiovanni

Baptisms: Are celebrated every day of the week, according to the schedule of the parish priests and the families. Baptisms at St. John’s are one-family only ceremonies: never groups. Please call Cindy (203-324-1553, ext 21).

Weddings: Couples must contact and begin meeting with one of the parish priests for at least 6 months before a hoped for wedding date at Saint John’s. Please call the parish secretary, Cindy, or one of the priests for an initial discussion.

Holy Name Society: For the men of the parish, meets Fridays in the Rectory, 7-7:50 a.m. for coffee, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. All men of the parish are welcome. We finish in time for the 8am Mass.

Moms & Tots: Moms and their kids meets in the Church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society: A Potluck dinner and speaker for families: meets 4 times a year….next date to be announced

Francis & Clare: Co-Ed High School Youth Group. Email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com.

Pray to end Legalized Abortion: Wednesdays, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society:For spiritual formation of men, 7th-8thgrades-High Schoolers welcome Contact-Ferry203-324-1553 x22.

St. Maria Goretti Society: For the spiritual formation of young ladies,7th-8th grades(High Schoolers welcome).Beth 203-975-0074.

Holy Hour: on Monday Nights, 7pm—8 pm. Adoration, Holy Rosary, and Benediction. All are welcome!

The Legion of Mary: Meets on Wednesday Evenings, 7:30 pm ’till 9:00 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, March 27th.

The Latin Reading Group: Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Intermediate Studies in Biblical Greek: Intermediate Grammar: Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour: After the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. All are welcome!

John’s in THE ADVOCATE:
110 years ago, or so:
April 3, 1903: PALM SUNDAY MUSIC. “A musical program of unusual interest has been arranged for the evening service in St. John’s R.C. Church next Sunday, which is Palm Sunday. The soloists will be Miss Cora Marian Purviance, Mrs. Robert Hurd, Miss May Foley, John A. O’Neil and Joseph Greeney. Elmer T. Joyce is organist and choir director. The program follows:
Introduction and soprano solo, from “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” Dubois, Miss Cora Marian Purviance.
Baritone solo and chorus, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Deus est mortis, Joseph Greeney and chorus.
Contralto solo, “Ave Maria,” luzzi, Mrs. Robert Hurd.
Tenor solo, “The Palms,” Faure, John O’Neill.
Soprano solo, “O Divine Redeemer,” Gounod, Miss Purviance.
Chorus, “Adoremus te Christi,” Dubois.
Selections from Rossini’s “Stabat Mater.”
“Quis est homo,” duet, Miss Purviance and Mrs. Hard.
“Fae ut portem,” contralto solo, Mrs. Hard.
“Infiaterutus,” soprano solo and chorus, Miss Pruviance and full choir.
Benediction-”O Salutaris,” soprano solo, Miss May Foley.
“Tantum Ergo,” solo and chorus.
“Laudate Dominum,” Haydn.”

100 years ago, or so:
March, 1913: Catholic News Notes. “Next Sunday evening, the choir of St. John’s Church will render the usual Palm Sunday musical program. Two years ago, “The Seven Last Words” was sung, and last year “Bethany” was given. This year selections from the well-known sacred works will be sung, instead of a single oratorio.”

10 years ago, or so:
April 9, 2001: “Area Christians joined those worldwide yesterday to observe Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. The week culminates with Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. At. St. John the Evangelist Church on Atlantic Street in Stamford, hundreds of Catholics held blessed palm fronds during noon Mass. The palms signify when Jesus entered Jerusalem, days before his arrest and crucifixion. Palms are a tradition among Catholics and other Christian faiths, said Monsignor Stephen DiGiovanni of St. John’s. But around the world, the tradition varies, he said. In some countries, olive branches are used because of their availability.”

The Battle of Prayer
-Fr. Terry Walsh

St. Therese offered a wonderful image of our relationship with God the Father in The Story of a Soul. Picture the Father standing at the top of a staircase looking with love upon the little child trying to climb up to Him. The child is simply too small to lift its leg over that first step in order to climb up to the next step. Yet, the Father beckons it to keep on trying, knowing full well that the child simply can’t succeed on its own. After a short time, the Father extends a helping hand down to the child and helps lift it up to the second step and the whole exchange begins again and again, all the way to the top. It’s the child’s desire for God that prompts the Father to respond. Likewise, when we persist in our effort to climb the stairs in our relationship with God, He provides all the grace necessary to reach Him. Persistence and humility are the keys, motivated by love.

St. John Vianney, patron Saint for parish priests, said: “Prayer is nothing else but union with God. When one has a heart that is pure and united with God, he is given a kind of sweetness that makes him ecstatic, a light surrounds him with marvelous brightness. In this intimate union, God and the soul are fused together like two bits of wax that no one can ever pull apart. This union of God with a tiny creature is a lovely thing. It is a happiness beyond understanding.” Each of us is that “tiny creature” searching for that clear path to intimate communication with God. The world tries to corrupt our understanding of this relationship by convincing us that if we consider ourselves “little” we are weak and of no importance; that we must accumulate lots of “stuff” to demonstrate our “worth”- the “stuff” taking on a variety of forms – material stuff, wrong-headed ideas stuff, and so on. And yet, the Saints teach us just the opposite. St. Paul tells us that “when I am weak, that is when I am strong.” One can only comprehend what he means by that if one practices the virtue of humility and so grows in the grace of understanding.

St. Therese developed an entire theology on “littleness” – the “little way” and St. John Vianney tells us in so many words that it is the only path. While the world makes all sorts of noise and tempts us with a wide variety of distractions, seeking to draw our gaze away from the Father’s encouraging voice from the top of the steps, we nonetheless must persist in our reach for the Father. Vianney writes, “My little children, your hearts are small, but prayer stretches them and makes them capable of loving God. Through prayer we receive a foretaste of heaven and something of paradise comes down upon us. Prayer never leaves us without sweetness. It is honey that flows into the soul and makes all things sweet. When we pray properly, sorrows disappear like snow before the sun.” What a faith-filled image that great Saint paints for us. Aren’t the Saints great? They teach us even from heaven. They help us climb the stairs. They are the real heroes, having climbed one stair at a time themselves. They rejoiced in each step, recognizing that it was only possible with the Father’s help, and they were filled with love for Him simply knowing that they were loved by Him. Vianney concluded, “I often think that when we come to adore the Lord, we would receive everything we ask for, if we would just ask with a living faith and a pure heart.” And the noise would simply drift away…..