Pastor’s Corner. . . August 6th is the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. This is an ancient feast. It was first celebrated in the 5th century and became a popular feast only in 1457 following the Catholic defeat of the Turks at the gates of Belgrade. The feast is based on an historical event: Our Lord being transfigured on the top of Mount Tabor.
Why would Christ show Himself in His glory as God? What was the point? We must put this into the context of Our Lord’s public ministry. The Transfiguration of Christ is reported in four places in the New Testament: Matthew 17: 1-9; Mark 9:29; Luke 9:28-36; the Second Letter of St. Peter, 1:10-21. Our Lord had begun the second part of His public ministry with His predictions of His death on the Cross. His Apostles were nervous about His repetitious mention of His crucifixion, especially since they put their hopes in the mistaken belief that Jesus was to be a political messiah, come primarily to liberate Israel from subjugation to the Roman Empire. Our Lord now took His three most trusted Apostles, Saints Peter, John and James, up to the peak of Mount Tabor, and manifested to them the reality of who He is: God; and the reason for which God had come as a man: to save all mankind from slavery to sin and death, not merely to free God’s Chosen People from political slavery. Atop Mount Tabor, showing the Apostles His glory as God, Jesus manifested also that He is the fulfillment of all the Prophets and the Law of the Old Testament, by His being accompanied by the Prophets Elijah, the greatest of the Old Testament Prophets, and Moses, who received the Ten Commandments from God.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord speaks also to us today. Jesus is not simply another prophet or religious teacher. He is God, and He calls us to share in His divine life and glory in Heaven, by means of the graces flowing from His Cross, that come to us primarily by means of the Church’s sacraments, established by Him. The Cross, which Jesus repeatedly referred to, and which frightened the Apostles, is the only means by which our slavery to sin and death is ended. We come into contact with the Cross by the Church and Her Sacraments, given us by Christ to begin His changing of our lives to become more like God here on earth, and to share in His glory in Heaven.
We are very blessed this year to be hosting the Sisters of Life and Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver, who will preside over the Mass during which some of the sisters will make their solemn vows, dedicating their lives to God to work for the greater respect for all human life. The Transfiguration speaks to us of our great dignity as the image and likeness of God, a dignity re-emphasized and re-created by Our Lord.
On August 6th, meditate on Our Lord’s generosity, and the means by which He gives us new life. By taking on our human nature and becoming one like us in everything but sin, and by offering Himself on the Cross to pay for our sins, Jesus showed His true nature and work: God became man so that mankind could become God. We can share in that glory by a life of faith and virtue, heeding the Word of God in our daily lives and allowing God to transform us through His grace in the Sacraments. Christ’s glory on Mount Tabor in the Transfiguration is to be ours, if we are in love with the God who became man, Jesus Our Lord.— Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Isabella Baptiste, Aileen Bainton, Jamie Chapin, Angela Bonneau, Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Mary Moriarty, Katie Fontneau, Achille Lamontagne, Rosemarie Gaffney, Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

Saint Peter Votive Lights Memorial. . . The two votive lights are in memory of Katie Fontneau.

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

Holy Hour. . . Come join us for the Holy Hour each Monday Night from 7 to 8 pm for the people in the Gulf States Region. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Rosary. All are welcome.

Latin Reading Group. . . Will not meet until mid-August.

Memorial Votive Lights. . . Five votive lights for memorials: The two votive lights next to the statue of Saint Peter, the one which will soon hang before the icon of the Protectress of Rome above the statue of Saint Rita, and the two above the side altars of Saint Joseph and Our Lady, may be memorialized each week for the intention of a loved one, or for the repose of a deceased loved one for a donation of $20.00 per candle, per week. The memorials will be published in the bulletin. Please call Cindy at ext. 21, between 9AM—1:30PM.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s Young Adult Group: Here is the info regarding the Summer Cruise & Clambake to Sheffield Island:
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010
Time: 5:45 Meet at the Norwalk Seaport Association Dock (Corner of Washington & Water Streets) South Norwalk. Ferry leaves the DOCK at 6:00pm and returns at 10pm (rain or shine). Please see the attached link for menu details and pricing ($55 for regular clambake dinner salmon entrée or $75 for Lobster dinner). www.seaport.org/PDFClambakes.pdf Finally, please RSVP by Wednesday July 28th. Call 203-838-9444. Note: St. John’s Flock on Facebook (Catholic Young Adult Group, Stamford, Ct) ( Includes: o Round-trip cruise to Sheffield Island o Panoramic views of Long Island Sound o Tour of historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse o Dinner on the Island provided by Bull’s Head Market )

Sunday July 25, 2010 $ 12,151.01
Sunday July 26, 2009 $ 10,700.53
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

August 8th Sunday Readings: Wis 18:6-9; Heb 11:1-2, 8-19; Lk 12:32-48.

Hymns for this Sunday . . . (1) 258, (2) 92, (3) 246

Religious Education. . . Parents, please consider registering your children early for the upcoming religious education classes which begin in October. Registration and payment can be made On-Line on the St. John’s Website, www.stjohnsstamford.com, or call the rectory, and speak with Cindy [ext 21] or with Fr. Walsh [ext 14]. Thanks.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . Sunday, August 15th, is one of the most beloved of holy days in the Church’s calendar: The Blessed Virgin Mary, the closest of Christ’s disciples, was the first to enjoy the benefits of her Son’s resurrection, being assumed body and soul to Heaven. Join us in our celebration at 4pm Solemn Sung Vespers, and the solemn blessing of our icon, Salus Populi Romani: Mary the Protectress of Rome. An ice cream social will follow in the rectory backyard. All welcome.

Summer Homilies. . . By the parish’s three priests will address the same subjects during the summer weekends: what it means to be Catholic, and the practical aspects of living our Catholic Faith. While the topics will be the same, the homilies will not be “canned”, but written by each priest in our own personal and inimitable styles.

God Parents. . . If you are preparing to baptize your baby, you will be looking for Godparents for your child. The Church’s law is clear that, since the Godparents’ role is to provide an example of Catholic life, those chosen must be active and practicing Catholics: regular attendance at Sunday Mass, and regular reception of the sacraments are mandatory; they must be living lives of virtue and charity; if married, the Godparents must be in a valid marriage, meaning they have been married in the Catholic Church. If parents have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the parish priests to discuss them.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, July 31
4:00 +Helen M. Strain req. Diane Strain & Family
Sunday, August 1
7:30 +John & Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Young
10:00 +Rose Astrid Jean-Guillaume req. Family
12:00 +Nancy Cipriani req. Sam & Nicole Marciano
6:00 +Katherine Lasko req. Wanda Beverly Lasko
Monday, August 2
8:00 Souls in Purgatory
12:10 +Evelyn M. McMahon req. Eve Miles
Tuesday, August 3
8:00 +Margaret M. Timon req. Thomas A. Timon
12:10 +Giorgio Miliano req. Gabriel Natarelli
Wednesday, August 4
8:00 Priests of Saint John’s Past & Present req. Pugliese Family
12:10 +Giancarlo M. Maldonado req. Fabiola C.
Thursday, August 5
8:00 +Margaret Curtis req. Mary Maloney
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
Friday, August 6
8:00 Special Intentions Carolyn Russell req. Kristin Cassidy
12:10 Special Intentions Sisters of Life
Saturday, August 7
8:00 +Michael & Erichetta Sette req. Pugliese Family
12:10 Forgotten Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will resume Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 9:30AM.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets in church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society . . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion . . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: we’ll resume in September.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Meets Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory: back in September.

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm in the rectory: open only to those with a reading ability in Greek.

Coffee Hour. . . Is finished for the summer. It will start again in September.

St. John’s in The Advocate:
110 years ago, or so:
August 1, 1901: Repairs to St. John’s R.C. Church. “The repairs on the exterior of St. Johns R.C. Church are going ahead, and the work made necessary from the recent stroke of lightning and the wear of the weather will be completed in the course of a month or so. Dean & Horton have the replacing of the lower step of the main entrance entrusted to them, and the restoring of the second step. The rejointing of the roof stones and chimneys is being done under their supervision by Daniel O’Connell & Son. The crosses on the east and west gables are to be replaced.”

100 years ago, or so:
August 2, 1907: Portiuncula in Catholic Church. “The devotion of the Portiuncula, or Grand Pardon, was begun in St. John’s R. C. Church at 3 yesterday afternoon and closes at sunset today. The “Grand Pardon” dates from the early years of the thirteenth century. St. Francis, praying for the conversion of sinners, was told to ask a favor of heaven, and it would be granted. Whereupon he promptly begged that all who would come to the little Church of Our Lady of Angels, at Assisi, the Portuiuncula of St. Francis and his brethren—having confessed, would receive full pardon of their sins and full remission of all the punishment due to their sins. The favor was inaugurated with due solemnity by Pope Honorius III. The annals of the thirteenth century tell of the throngs that bore down on the little hill town of Assisi from the evening of the day of “St. Peter in Chains” to the evening of the next day. All night the procession went in and out the little church and next evening contentedly filed out from Assisi again, singing ‘Te Deum’s as they went home, some of them great distances. This continued for 200 years. So great did the crowd grow each year that the Pope extended the indulgence to the churches that had branched out from the Portiuncula. The devotion is held in only a few churches in this diocese. The privilege was obtained for St. John’s by the Franciscan fathers.”

August 8, 1910: Well-Known Resident Expires of Old Age. “John Shea, a well-known resident of Stamford, died yesterday morning. He came here in 1850, when Stamford was a small village. He was for many years a faithful employee of the late Alfred Hoyt. From 1870 to 1890 he was employed in the Stillwater rolling mills, and later by the city and town of Stamford. During the later years of his life he was not actively employed but lived peacefully with his family at the old homestead on Stillwater Avenue.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: John Shea was a parish trustee of St. John’s in the 1860s during the pastorate of the Rev. James H. O’Neil.)

ROMANS – Fr. Terry Walsh
“If God is for us, who is against us?”(Rm. 8:31)

In the Holy Mass, the Sunday Liturgy of the Word in Ordinary Time takes its first Reading from the Old Testament and its second Reading from the New Testament, followed by the Gospel. The Psalm poetically unites the general theme of all the Readings and draws us into a deeper contemplation of the Word, preparing us for a more faithful reception of our Lord Sacramentally in the holy Eucharist. The Word draws the attentive heart into a dialogue with God – a meditation of his love. “The Word of God is like a two-edged sword” St. Paul tells us. It penetrates our hearts and opens our minds to the Divine. St. Paul is very often depicted in art holding a Sword in one hand and carrying the Scriptures in the other. St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is arguably the most important of all his 13 Epistles. He wrote it during his stay in Corinth (c.58 AD) as he was about to leave for Rome to visit the growing Christian community there. Less than a decade later he would be martyred in Rome, bearing witness to Jesus. The Letter to the Romans explains essential teachings concerning the relationship between God and man: “For God has consigned all men to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all” (11:32). Paul beautifully explains that true Freedom, true life, is found only through Jesus Christ, who, through His one perfect sacrifice has conquered sin and death and so redeemed all those who worship Him “in Spirit and in Truth”, as Jesus says in the Gospel of St. John; that is, all who “live according to the Spirit” – nourished by Grace. Life in the “New Law” – that is – the “Law of Grace”, is lived through the obedience of faith in imitation of the obedience of Jesus to the Will of the Father. The gift of Divine Life given to all who seek Christ, living according to the Gospel and cooperating with Grace, quite literally forms us into new creations. We become more and more like Christ. Paul stresses that this is a total, unmerited gift of Mercy. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us(5:8)….So you must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus”(6:11).
Paul clearly draws the distinction between life in the flesh as opposed to life in the Spirit. Chapter 8, in particular, focuses beautifully on the “Indwelling” of the Holy Spirit and reminds us that we who are baptized into the Body of Christ are true children of God. “When we cry, ‘Abba! Father! It is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him”(8:15ff). St. Paul draws attention to the very purpose of Creation and the hope of Redemption. Perhaps his most compelling teaching is that God Himself accompanies our every step, leading us into His Very Being – if we let Him. “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we don’t know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (8:26-27). What tremendous words of hope and consolation! Are we truly mindful of our companion? Do we spend quality time with Him each and every day? He waits for us.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (15:13).

Pastor’s Corner. . . Monday is the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Our Lady. The celebration of this humble married couple belies the common place wisdom that religion doesn’t have much effect on real life. Possibly the person who first coined that thought just didn’t have much religion to begin with, so its absence was a greater influence. Nevertheless, the homespun lives of Saints Joachim and Anne, while not very Hollywood, and not even fully known, did change history, since their daughter cooperated in the Incarnation, whereby God’s entrance into human history as the Man-God Jesus, transformed everything.
That Mary had parents is taken for granted, even though nothing is mentioned in Scripture. But there is a very early document, known as the Protoevangelium of Saint James, written between 170-180 a.d. [For the full document, Google www.newadvent.org/fathers/0847.htm] It is one of the most famous apocryphal writings of the early Church and, despite it not having been included by the Church in its canon of Scriptural books, it was one of the most widely read religious works of its age: originally written in Greek, there are early extant Latin, Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, Georgian, Arabic and Ethiopic translations or paraphrases. It was a best seller, was quoted by many of the Church Fathers, and had an unparalleled influence on the development of popular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the early Church, as seen by the development of various Marian feast days, such as the Immaculate Conception, the Presentation of the Virgin and that of Saints Joachim and Anne. By the mid-6th century there were two massive churches built in honor of Mary’s parents in Jerusalem and Constantinople, and their feast day was celebrated in the east by the end of the 6th century; in Rome by the 8th century, and from there, throughout Europe. While everything in the book cannot be taken as historically true, much of it can. And the lives of Saints Joachim and Anne as presented in this work is the earliest known written version of the story.
Why a devotion to the parents of Mary? First, in an earlier age, no family was considered complete without grandparents. Likewise, the story of a married couple struggling with the seeming impossibility of not being able to have children, was so touchingly real that it captured the attention of millions. Here is a story of the complete Holy Family, whose beginning is found in the generosity of God’s blessings on a man and his wife. Not only is the faith and trust in God of Joachim and Anne repaid by their conceiving Mary, but, they mark the very moment when the divine intimately enters human history—God intervenes in the conception of Mary, the fruit of the very natural love of Joachim and Anne, and He preserves Mary from the stain of Adam’s Original Sin, in view of Mary’s role as the Mother of the Savior. It is a similar means by which God sanctified Samson and John the Baptist in the wombs of their mothers in view of their roles in the Redemption of humankind.
The parish’s image of Saint Anne is a traditional one, and can be seen on the pulpit: Saint Anne instructing a young Mary as she reads the Scriptures of the Old Testament. While the banner is new, its image of Saint Anne and Mary is very old: cardboard figures, embroidered and hand decorated, popular in the late 19th century, and taken from the original parish banner that was used before the turn of the 20th century at Saint John’s.
Saints Joachim and Anne are the patrons of married couples, who remained faithful to each other and to God, despite rough times in their marriage. Their fidelity and faith strengthened them to remain together, and their love helped to bring about your salvation. Nothing commonplace about their simple lives, daily formed by their love for God and each other. Not bad patrons and examples for real married life. — Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Aileen Bainton, Jamie Chapin, Angela Bonneau, Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Mary Moriarty, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . .Katie Fontneau, Achille Lamontagne, Rosemarie Gaffney, Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

Saint Peter Votive Lights Memorial. . . Left votive is for the special intentions of Dionysia, Julia, Joseph, Ava, Maria & Teresa Oliveira and the right votive is for the special intentions of Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Lori, Msgr. DiGiovanni, Rev. Walsh, Rev. Audette, Rev. Check req. by Julia and Dionysia Oliveira.

Latin Reading Group. . . Will not meet until mid-August.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Memorial Votive Lights. . . Five votive lights for memorials: The two votive lights next to the statue of Saint Peter, the one which will soon hang before the icon of the Protectress of Rome above the statue of Saint Rita, and the two above the side altars of Saint Joseph and Our Lady, may be memorialized each week for the intention of a loved one, or for the repose of a deceased loved one for a donation of $20.00 per candle, per week. The memorials will be published in the bulletin. Please call Cindy at ext. 21.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s Young Adult Group: Here is the info regarding the Summer Cruise & Clambake to Sheffield Island: Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010
Time: 5:45 Meet at the Norwalk Seaport Association Dock (Corner of Washington & Water Streets) South Norwalk. Ferry leaves the DOCK at 6:00pm and returns at 10pm (rain or shine). Please see the attached link for menu details and pricing ($55 for regular clambake dinner salmon entrée or $75 for Lobster dinner). www.seaport.org/PDFClambakes.pdf Finally, please RSVP by Wednesday July 28th. Call 203-838-9444. Note: St. John’s Flock on Facebook (Catholic Young Adult Group, Stamford, Ct) ( Includes: o Round-trip cruise to Sheffield Island o Panoramic views of Long Island Sound
o Tour of historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse o Dinner on the Island provided by Bull’s Head Market )

Sunday July 18, 2010 $ 10,672.18
Sunday July 19, 2009 $ 12,343.05
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

August 1st Sunday Readings: Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23; Col 3:1-5, 9-11; Lk 12:13-21.

Hymns for this Sunday . . . (1) 258, (2) 92, (3) 246

Religious Education. . . Parents, please consider registering your children early for the upcoming religious education classes which begin in October. Registration and payment can be made On-Line on the St. John’s Website, www.stjohnsstamford.com, or call the rectory, and speak with Cindy [ext 21] or with Fr. Walsh [ext 14]. Thanks.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . Sunday, August 15th, is one of the most beloved of holy days in the Church’s calendar: The Blessed Virgin Mary, the closest of Christ’s disciples, was the first to enjoy the benefits of her Son’s resurrection, being assumed body and soul to Heaven. Join us in our celebration at 4pm Solemn Sung Vespers, and the solemn blessing of our icon, Salus Populi Romani: Mary the Protectress of Rome. An ice cream social will follow in the rectory backyard. All welcome.

Summer Homilies. . . By the parish’s three priests will address the same subjects during the summer weekends: what it means to be Catholic, and the practical aspects of living our Catholic Faith. While the topics will be the same, the homilies will not be “canned”, but written by each priest in our own personal and inimitable styles.

God Parents. . . If you are preparing to baptize your baby, you will be looking for Godparents for your child. The Church’s law is clear that, since the Godparents’ role is to provide an example of Catholic life, those chosen must be active and practicing Catholics: regular attendance at Sunday Mass, and regular reception of the sacraments are mandatory; they must be living lives of virtue and charity; if married, the Godparents must be in a valid marriage, meaning they have been married in the Catholic Church. If parents have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the parish priests to discuss them.

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, July 24
4:00 +Mrs. Jeanne Capodilupo req. Dr. Joseph McAleer
Sunday, July 25
7:30 +John & Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Young
10:00 Special Intentions Mary Kung req. Joseph & Agnes Kung
12:00 Forgotten Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.
6:00 Josette Jean-Baptiste Alexandre req. Family
Monday, July 26
8:00 +Emma Siciliano req. Frank & Beth Carpanzano
12:10 +Salvatore & Teresa Corbo req. Pugliese Family
Tuesday, July 27
8:00 +Emma Siciliano req. Pasquale & Ida Carpanzano
12:10 The Intentions of all the Living & Deceased of the Smith and Parker Families req. Maureen Parker
Wednesday, July 28
8:00 Andrew Mbabaali req. Mom-Scholastica Nabwire
12:10 +Helen Pepe req. Mary Churley
Thursday, July 29
8:00 +William Morris
12:10 +Vito Corcione req. Jo & Ann Corcione
Friday, July 30
8:00 The McMullin Family req. Mom & Dad
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
Saturday, July 31
8:00 In Thanksgiving to God
12:10 +Joe & Josephine Larobina req. Pugliese Family

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will resume Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 9:30AM.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets in church each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society . . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion . . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory: we’ll resume in September.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Meets Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory: back in September.

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm in the rectory: open only to those with a reading ability in Greek.

Coffee Hour. . . Is finished for the summer. It will start again in September.

St. John’s in The News:
125 years ago, or so:
The CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC:
July 26, 1884: Stamford. “The Children of Mary are expected to receive Holy Communion in a body next Sunday. Rev. Fathers Rogers and Walsh attended the retreat lately held at New Haven. Father Rogers at present is unwell on account of the chills. The attendance at 9 o’clock Mass on last Sunday was so great that every pew was occupied. At least 1,000 of the congregation attend that Mass every Sunday. .”

110 years ago, or so:
The HARTFORD COURANT
July 31, 1899: PRIESTS ORDAINED. “Three candidates for the priesthood were ordained by Bishop Tierney at St. Joseph’s Cathedral yesterday morning, a large congregation being present and some forty priests of the diocese occupying seats in the sanctuary. The candidates were James A. Broderick of Willimantic, Bernard Donnelly of Stamford and John Kennedy of Naugatuck. Bishop Tierney performed the ceremony of ordination and laying on of hands. The Rev. W. H. Rogers, Pastor of Stamford, was chaplain to Bernard Donnelly. The ceremony was very impressive and the young men are well known as students of promise and earnest to succeed in their chosen calling.”

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
July 26, 1898: Valuable Gift to St. John’s R. C. Church. “St. John’s R.C. Church is being enriched, and its interior greatly improved, by the erection of fourteen groups of statuary representing the stations of the cross, and used in services which occur on Fridays in Lent and at other times. The stations are works of art, and the color-blending and general effect are very pleasing. They are the gift of a Stamford lady, a member of the congregation, whose name will probably be announced by the pastor, Rev. Father Rogers, after the blessing ceremony, which is to occur August 14, the vigil of the Feast of the Assumption.”

5 years ago, or so:
July 31, 2004: “They aren’t the IRS. Still, most churches have some accounting of their numbers – and it’s tricky business. Monsignor Stephen DiGiovanni of St. John’s Church in Stamford doesn’t stand at the pulpit counting his 1,000 family parish; if he did, he would be standing there for a long time. Church policy asks new congregants to register with the church so when Msgr DiGiovanni says he preaches to about 5,000 individuals, he is able to do so with a degree of certainty.”

The 1st Eucharistic Prayer
“THE ROMAN CANON” -Fr. Terry Walsh
The Roman Canon, or the “1st” Eucharistic Prayer is the oldest and also the longest of the Eucharistic Prayers. Theologians often attribute the prayer to St. Hippolytus of Rome. The words of Consecration are the same in each of the Eucharist prayers. Writing just after the 2nd Vatican Council, Father Enrico Mazza said, “The text of the Roman Canon, that is, the 1st Eucharistic Prayer, as we have it today, acquired its form between the end of the 4th century and the 7th century, and has not been changed significantly since the days of Pope Gregory the Great (6th century)….It is venerable because it was for so long the only Eucharistic Prayer of the Roman Church” (Mazza, The Eucharistic Prayers of the Roman Rite, p.53). Centuries earlier, the Council of Trent held that: “Holy things must be treated in a holy way and this sacrifice (the Mass) is the most holy of all things. And so, that this sacrifice might be worthily and reverently offered and received, the Catholic Church many centuries ago instituted the sacred Canon. It is so free from all error that it contains nothing which does not savor strongly of holiness and piety and nothing which does not raise to God the minds of those who offer. For it is made up of words of our Lord Himself, of apostolic traditions, and of devout instructions of the holy pontiffs.” Mazza explains, “The Canon is made up of 15 prayers, each complete in itself. These are set one alongside another like tiles in a mosaic…and that the text of the Canon was already fixed in the 1st half of the 4th century.” During the Second Vatican Council, there were proposals to change the Canon but the Holy Father, Pope Paul VI, determined that the prayer should remain unchanged. He ordered that an additional two or three “Anaphoras” – Eucharistic Prayers – be composed.” And so today, the Church has additional Eucharistic Prayers that also find their roots in the Apostolic Church and the Tradition of the Church.
While there are many aspects of the “Roman Canon” we might explore, I would like to focus on just one distinct part: The Litanies. These remind us of the profound reality that we are praying with the “Communion of Saints” – they are present at the Mass and in addition to thanking and praising God with us, we also call upon them to intercede for us before the Throne of God. In the 1st half of the Canon, we honor Mary and Joseph. We honor all the Apostles by name. Notice, St. Matthias is included in the 2nd litany and St. Paul, the “Super Apostle” is included in the 1st. We also honor the Martyrs, specifically Linus (Pope 67-76), Cletus (Pope 76 –88), Clement (Pope 88-97), Sixtus (Pope 115 – 125), Cornelius (Pope 251-253), Cyprian (Bishop of Carthage, c.250), Lawrence (Deacon of Rome), Chrysogonus (d.304), John and Paul (brothers from Rome, brothers in Rome, 362), and Cosmas and Damian (brothers and physicians, Rome, 303). After the Consecration we continue our prayer for fellowship with the apostles and martyrs: John the Baptist (the Precusor of Jesus), Stephen (1st Deacon and 1st Martyr), Matthias (Apostle chosen to replace Judas, stoned to death), Barnabas (patron of St. Paul, stoned to death), Ignatius (1st c. martyr), Alexander, Marcellinus (priest and martyr, 304), Peter (exorcist and martyr, 304), Felicity (martyred widow, 165), Perpetua (martyr, 165), Agatha (Virgin martyr, 250), Lucy (Virgin martyr, 304), Agnes (Virgin martyr, 304), Cecilia (Virgin martyr, 2nd c.), and Anastasia (martyr, 304). We are truly in communion with these great Saints, together with all the Saints and Angels, as we give thanks and praise to God in every Holy Mass.

Pastor’s Corner. . . July 22nd is the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. Mary was from the town of Magdala, near the sea of Galilee—hence her name, the Magdalene—the lady from Magdala. There really was a woman from Magdala named Mary, but for centuries, the tradition grew that the characteristics and actions of three different women in the Gospels named Mary were identified with the one Mary from Magdala, including a prostitute as reported in Luke 7. However, the true Mary Magdalene was the woman from whom Jesus expelled seven demons [Lk 8:2]; she was one of the holy woman who assisted Jesus and His Apostles during His public ministry [Lk 8: 2-3]; who was present at Jesus’ Crucifixion, as seen in the beautiful window above the high altar [Mk 15: 10]; and who was the first witness to the Resurrection of Jesus [ Mk 16: 9-11; Jn 20: 1-2; 11-18]. The Church has always seen in Mary Magdalene a woman who turned her heart to the True Love of all of us, Our Lord, and who spent the remainder of her life striving to please Him in her daily life of virtue, piety and charity.
There are two legends regarding her life after Christ’s Resurrection: that she was driven from the Holy Land during the Roman imperial persecution, which resulted in the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD, and that she finished her life in Ephesus, where she died a martyr; the other legend is that she was set adrift in an rudderless boat with Saints Martha and Lazarus, coming aground at Marseilles, France. For the remaining years of her life, she bore witness to the Resurrection throughout Provence.
Whatever of these colorful stories, the reality of Mary Magdalene is much more enduring and important, since she was a real person, who became for the Church a wonderful spiritual heroine and example of one who loved Our Lord, and who bore witness to Him in daily life. Pope Saint Gregory the Great [pope 590-604 AD] composed a series of homilies about St. Mary Magdalene. In one he wrote of Mary at the tomb of Christ, overcome with grief once she could not find His body:
“Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. What love this woman had who would not leave the tomb, even though his disciples went away! She sought Him whom she had not found, wept as she sought, and yearned with loving desire for Him whom she thought they had taken away. He showed Himself only to her who had remained to search, for the power behind every good work is perseverance, and the Truth Himself says, ‘Whoever perseveres to the end will be saved.’ She sought and did not find; she persevered in seeking and finally did find. Her unfulfilled desire grew, and it held fast what it found. If it had failed when unfulfilled, it would not have been genuine desire. Anyone who has reached the Truth has been on fire with longing for it” [Sermon on The Gospels, 25].
Another beautiful testament to the Magdalene’s love was penned in the mid-19th century work by Father Alban Butler, reflecting upon Mary’s devotion at the Cross of the crucified Lord:
“She suffered by love of Christ, what He suffered in His body on the Cross. The same cross crucified Jesus and Magdalene in Him and with Him. The thorns pierced her heart with His head; and her soul was bathed in all His sorrows. But the crucifixion was in both a martyrdom of love; and that love which triumphed over Jesus, by making Him die on the cross, crucified her heart to all inordinate love of creatures, thenceforward to reign and triumph alone in all her affections, so that she could say in a twofold sense, my love is crucified” [The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and other Principal Saints, vol. VI, p 164, 1836].
From the earliest times, the Church venerated the authentic Mary Magdalene as the “thirteenth Apostle”, since she was the first to see the Resurrected Jesus, and to speak with Him, and was sent by Our Lord to inform the eleven Apostles that Jesus actually was raised from the dead in the flesh. In fact, after Our Lord, Mary Magdalene holds pride of place in the Resurrection narratives of the Gospel. For, while the resurrection narratives in the Gospels mention that angels spoke to the others visiting the tomb with her, it was only the Magdelene who remained, and who saw and spoke with the resurrected Christ.
Mary Magdalene is revered throughout the world, with innumerable churches and shrines dedicated to her memory; she is universally called upon as the patroness of those in need of grace, hope and mercy. Let her be your patroness, as well, in times of need or trial: love Our Lord as she did, and receive the divine assurances and comfort our Resurrected Lord offers to those who love Him. — Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Aileen Bainton, Jamie Chapin, Angela Bonneau, Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Mary Moriarty, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . .Katie Fontneau, Achille Lamontagne, Rosemarie Gaffney, Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

Saint Peter Votive Lights Memorial. . . Left votive is in memory of William Borkowski, req. by Michael and Ann Borkowski. The right votive is for the special intention of George Terenzio, req. by Millie Terenzio.

Mission Co-operative Plan Collection . . . Please drop your Mission Co-operative Plan Collection envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory. There will only be one collection today.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Will not meet during the summer, but will resume on September 8th with the study of the Rule of Saint Benedict. All are welcome.

Latin Reading Group. . . Will not meet until mid-August.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Memorial Votive Lights. . . Five votive lights for memorials: The two votive lights next to the statue of Saint Peter, the one which will soon hang before the icon of the Protectress of Rome above the statue of Saint Rita, and the two above the side altars of Saint Joseph and Our Lady, may be memorialized each week for the intention of a loved one, or for the repose of a deceased loved one for a donation of $20.00 per candle, per week. The memorials will be published in the bulletin. Please call Cindy at ext. 21.

Catholic Widow & Widowers Club. . . Are you a widow or a widower? Consider joining The Catholic Widow and Widowers Club, which meets at St. Michael Church; 469 North Street; Greenwich on the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm. This month the meeting will be on July 20, with Mass for the deceased spouse, a meeting and refreshments. We are planning dinner at Zody’s in Stamford in August and a Clambake in September. Please join us: call Barbara Zimmer at 203-869-1729.

Sunday July 11, 2010 $ 9,334.93
Sunday July 12, 2009 $ 10,855.65
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

July 25th Sunday Readings: Gn 18:20-32; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13.

Hymns for this Sunday . . . (1) 258, (2) 92, (3) 246

Religious Education. . . Parents, please consider registering your children early for the upcoming religious education classes which begin in October. Just call the rectory, and speak with Cindy [ext 21] or with Fr. Walsh [ext 14]. Thanks.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . Sunday, August 15th, is one of the most beloved of holy days in the Church’s calendar: The Blessed Virgin Mary, the closest of Christ’s disciples, was the first to enjoy the benefits of her Son’s resurrection, being assumed body and soul to Heaven. Join us in our celebration at 4pm Solemn Sung Vespers, and the solemn blessing of our icon, Salus Populi Romani: Mary the Protectress of Rome. An ice cream social will follow in the rectory backyard. All welcome.

Holy Name Society Pig Roast. . . Will be on Saturday, July 24th following the 4 pm Mass, in the rectory’s backyard. Only for Holy Name members, altar servers and their dads: More details during upcoming weeks. If interested, please call Cindy [ext 21].

Summer Homilies. . . By the parish’s three priests will address the same subjects during the summer weekends: what it means to be Catholic, and the practical aspects of living our Catholic Faith. While the topics will be the same, the homilies will not be “canned”, but written by each priest in our own personal and inimitable styles.

God Parents. . . If you are preparing to baptize your baby, you will be looking for Godparents for your child. The Church’s law is clear that, since the Godparents’ role is to provide an example of Catholic life, those chosen must be active and practicing Catholics: regular attendance at Sunday Mass, and regular reception of the sacraments are mandatory; they must be living lives of virtue and charity; if married, the Godparents must be in a valid marriage, meaning they have been married in the Catholic Church. If parents have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the parish priests to discuss them.

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, July 17
4:00 +John & Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Young
Sunday, July 18
7:30 +Margretta DeVivo 3rd Anniversary req. Munro & DeVivo Families
10:00 +Julius & Jane Shoztic & Barbara Schettino req. Richard & Elaine Shoztic
12:00 In Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary req. Fabiola C.
6:00 +William DeVito req. Tom Donahoe
Monday, July 19
8:00 Special Intentions Amanda Wood req. Rosario & Martha Pugliese
12:10 +Jayson Jarrett req. Norma Jarrett
Tuesday, July 20
8:00 +Leon Terenzio req. Cousins
12:10 +Charles & Johnsie McKenna req. Pugliese Family
Wednesday, July 21
8:00 +Raymond McConnell req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Anna Fedorika req. Mary Churley
Thursday, July 22
8:00 +Henry Certo req. Charles Carson
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.
Friday, July 23
8:00 +Victor Fonalledas
12:10 +Dominick & Catherine Sette req. Pugliese Family
Saturday, July 24
8:00 +George Murphy req. Thomas Forbes
12:10 +Joseph & Teresa Pugliese req. Pugliese Family

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will resume in September.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society . . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion . . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory.

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday Evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour. . . Is finished for the summer. It will start again in September.

St. John’s in The News:
125 years ago, or so:
The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
July 20, 1883: The New Catholic Church. “Last Monday morning the first trowel-full of plaster was laid on the groined ceiling of the new Catholic church on Atlantic street. On the Saturday previous a contract was made with Messrs. Chas. H. White & Co., of Stamford, for the material and mill-work of the interior finish. These two incidents occurring simultaneously mark a significant point in the general progress of the enterprise. They may, perhaps, be called the beginning of the end– and that end is the completion of what will easily be the grandest ecclesiastical structure in the town, and one of the finest church buildings in New England.”

115 years ago, or so:
The CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC:
July 20, 1889: STAMFORD. “The high mass on Sundays will be dispensed with during July and August, by a low mass to be celebrated at the same hour. Mayor Grant, of New York City, with John D. Crimmins, ex-parks commissioner, were in Stamford last Sunday and attended the 9 o’clock mass in St. John’s church. The mayor was much pleased and delighted with the large and beautiful church edifice, for there are few churches in the state or country that can surpass this magnificent stone building. Mr. Grant had the pleasure of meeting the pastor, Rev. W. H. Rogers, and assistants after the celebration of Mass.”

75 years ago, or so:
The NEW YORK TIMES:
July 20, 1935: Stamford Church Tower Is Razed by Lightning. “Lightning struck a tower tonight on St. John’s Catholic Church here and demolished it, scattering great chunks of granite on the street and sidewalk ninety feet below. One boulder weighing about 100 pounds was hurled across Atlantic Street through the skylight of a retail shop. Damage estimated at $2,500 was caused by the storm.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: the cited boulder can be seen adjacent to the front porch steps of St. John’s Rectory.)

45 years ago, or so:
The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
July 23, 1963: “The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Nicholas P. Coleman, PA, VF, pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church and, at 87, the oldest priest in the Bridgeport Diocese, died Monday in the rectory of St. Raphael’s Church, Bridgeport.”

Sacrament of Healing: The Anointing of the Sick – Fr. Terry Walsh
What is the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick instituted by our Lord and what are its effects? In the Gospel of St. Mark, the Evangelist tells of the Apostles anointing the Sick with oil. Of the four Evangelists, Mark is the only one who speaks of this anointing. Likewise, St. James (5:14ff) also tells us in his letter in the New Testament: “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the Church (Bishops and Priests), and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” Through his description, St. James reveals how this liturgical practice is conferred – the Priest prays over the sick person while anointing the person in the Name of our Lord. Regarding this great Sacrament, the Council of Trent affirmed: “This holy anointing of the sick was initiated as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament by Christ our Lord; it is implied in St. Mark and it is commended to the faithful and promulgated by the Apostle, St. James…In these words, as the Church has learned from apostolic Tradition transmitted to her, he teaches the matter, the form, the proper minister and the effects of this life-giving sacrament.”
The Sacrament should be received in the State of Grace if the person is conscious. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is always offered as part of the Rite of Anointing. “Anyone experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age may receive this Sacrament”(ccc1527). If the person is already in the state of grace in having recently received Confession, then the Penitential Rite may be prayed.
In the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, the “Matter” is the oil that is blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass and the “Form” is the prayer that the priest prays as he anoints the sick person both on the forehead and the palms of the hands. As he anoints the forehead, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen” And upon the palms, “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen”As the sick person receives the anointing, the real effect of the sacrament is the outpouring of the grace of the Holy Spirit into the soul of the sick person, enabling the sick person to bear the Cross of suffering and to unite his suffering to the suffering Christ in a sacramental union and thereby participate in the Salvation of souls, sacramentally. The Church teaches us: “Moved by so much suffering Christ not only allows himself to be touched by the sick, but he makes their miseries His own: ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases’ (Mt 8:17, Isa 53:4)…On the Cross Christ took upon himself the whole weight of evil and took away the ‘sin of the world’, of which illness is only a consequence. By His passion and death on the Cross Christ has given a new meaning to suffering: it can henceforth configure us to him and unite us with his redemptive Passion”(ccc1505).
When the person receiving the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is gravely ill, near death, the priest will also pray the prayer granting an indulgence for the remission of all temporal punishment due to sin. The person then goes straight to Heaven without having to pass through Purgatory, as all the temporal punishment that the soul would need purified would have already been wiped away through Confession (sins) and the Apostolic Pardon Indulgence (wiping away all temporal punishment). It is a gift of love, a merciful encounter with our Lord.

Pastor’s Corner. . . July 16th is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, an important day for Saint John’s, since Pope Benedict XVI raised our parish to the dignity of a minor basilica on July 16, 2009. While we did not receive word of this until the following October—the Vatican, like all of Italy, closes down for most of August and September—nevertheless, the date is worth remembering because, as a minor basilica, Saint John’s has special bond with the Holy Father and unique spiritual privileges among the churches of the Diocese of Bridgeport, in that we can offer special plenary indulgences each year. Here are the dates when plenary indulgences may be obtained here at the Basilica:
—February 22nd: the day of the liturgical celebration of the title of minor basilica, and the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter;
—May 30th: The dedication date of the Church of Saint John in 1886;
—June 29th: Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul;
—July 16th: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the date of concession of the title of minor basilica granted Saint John’s in 2009;
—August 2nd: The Portiuncula, recalling Saint Francis of Assisi;
—November 2nd: All Soul’s Day;
—December 27th: The patronal feast day of Saint John the Evangelist;
—December 31st: The New Year: public recitation of the Te Deum;
—Each parishioner may select one other personal day each year on which to receive the basilica’s plenary indulgence;
—The local bishop may determine another special day each year.
A plenary indulgence is a favor granted by the Church through the merits of Jesus who removes, either partially or completely [plenary], the temporal punishment remaining for sins that have been forgiven in Confession. The Church, as the minister of Christ’s graces, grants these to faithful Catholics willing to perform a public act of devotion: in this case, by visiting the Basilica on the days noted, reciting an Our Father and the Creed for the intention of the pope; receiving Holy Communion on the day of the indulgence, and having gone to Confession at least 20 days prior to or following the day the indulgence is sought. One must be free from all attachment to sin in order to receive an indulgence.
Please take advantage of the Basilica’s special bond with the Holy Father, by visiting on those days and piously working for these blessings.
— Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Aileen Bainton, Jamie Chapin, Angela Bonneau, Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Mary Moriarty, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . .Katie Fontneau, Achille Lamontagne, Rosemarie Gaffney, Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

Votive Lights Memorial. . . The two St. Peter votive lights are in memory of Katie Fontneau.

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Will not meet during the summer, but will resume on September 8th with the study of the Rule of Saint Benedict. All are welcome.

Latin Reading Group. . . Will not meet until mid-August.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Annual Bishop’s Appeal. . . Our Parish has met it’s goal of $85,000. The people of Saint John’s have given $86,109. I am very, very grateful to you for your generosity. We can now turn our attention to the needs of the parish, once again.

Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . The oil painting of the most famous and ancient of Roman icons of the Blessed Mother—Salus Populi Romani, the Protectress of Rome—has now been completed and returned to the parish: she is enshrined in the northern side aisle in the top arch, above the statue of Saint Rita. Sometime this week, a spotlight will be installed, as will one to illuminate the bronze statue of Saint Peter. Our Lady is high up, at nearly the same height as the original 9th century icon in the Major Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in Rome. Vigil candles will be placed nearby, as will a votive hanging lamp, within the next weeks. There are kneelers facing Our Lady, which are part of the Baptistry, so parishioners might kneel while offering a prayer to Our Lady and her Divine Son. I am very grateful to a friend of the parish and his family who donated the funds commissioning Grace DeVito, a local portrait artist, to create the beautiful icon for us.

Memorial Votive Lights. . . The two votive lights next to the statue of Saint Peter, and the one which will soon hang before the icon of the Protectress of Rome above the statue of Saint Rita, may be memorialized each week for the intention of a loved one, or for the repose of a deceased loved one for a donation of $20.00 per candle, per week. The memorials will be published in the bulletin. Please call Cindy at ext. 21.

Sunday July 4, 2010 $ 10,985.00
Sunday July 5, 2009 $ 10,800.81
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

July 18th Sunday Readings: Gn 18:1-10a; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42.

Hymns for this Sunday . . . (1) 258, (2) 92, (3) 246

Religious Education. . . Parents, please consider registering your children early for the upcoming religious education classes which begin in October. Just call the rectory, and speak with Cindy [ext 21] or with Fr. Walsh [ext 14]. Thanks.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . Sunday, August 15th, is one of the most beloved of holy days in the Church’s calendar: The Blessed Virgin Mary, the closest of Christ’s disciples, was the first to enjoy the benefits of her Son’s resurrection, being assumed body and soul to Heaven. Join us in our celebration at 4pm Solemn Sung Vespers, and the solemn blessing of our icon, Salus Populi Romani: Mary the Protectress of Rome. An ice cream social will follow in the rectory backyard. All welcome.

Holy Name Society Pig Roast. . . Will be on Saturday, July 24th following the 4 pm Mass, in the rectory’s backyard. Only for Holy Name members, altar servers and their dads: More details during upcoming weeks. If interested, please call Cindy [ext 21].

God Parents. . . If you are preparing to baptize your baby, you will be looking for Godparents for your child. The Church’s law is clear that, since the Godparents’ role is to provide an example of Catholic life, those chosen must be active and practicing Catholics: regular attendance at Sunday Mass, and regular reception of the sacraments are mandatory; they must be living lives of virtue and charity; if married, the Godparents must be in a valid marriage, meaning they have been married in the Catholic Church. If parents have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the parish priests to discuss them.

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, July 10
4:00 +Theodore Joseph Drzyzga req. Sandra & Roy Klemm
Sunday, July 11
7:30 +John & Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Young
10:00 Thanksgiving to God req. Fabiola C.
12:00 +Irene Medwed 6th Anniversary req. Munro & De Vivo Families
6:00 Special Intention Helen and Constantine Karasoulas req. Lia Condax
Monday, July 12
8:00 People of the Parish
12:10 Special Intention Anthony Alvarez req. Rosario Pugliese
Tuesday, July 13
8:00 Sam & Family req. Francis Baranowski
12:10 +James Touhey req. Family
Wednesday, July 14
8:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
12:10 +Patrick Dandry req. Laura Pascale
Thursday, July 15
8:00 +Margaret Curtis req. Mary Maloney
12:10 Special Intention Henry Ternier Birthday req. Melissa Ternier
Friday, July 16
8:00 +Thern & Lena Carr req. Marie Carr
12:10 + Katie Fontneau req. Monsignor DiGiovanni
Saturday, July 17
8:00 +Diane Greene req. Maude & Paul Hughes
12:10 +Joseph & Catherine Schinella req. Pugliese Family

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will meet May 22nd and will then resume in September.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society . . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion . . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday Evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour. . . Is finished for the summer. It will start again in September.

St. John’s in The News:
150 years ago, or so:
The new york freeman’s journal and catholic register:
July 14, 1860: Ordinations. “On Thursday, the 20th of June, William Mahoney, John Gately, of the diocese of Baltimore, John Fagan, of the Hartford diocese, Patrick Corrigan and Edward Michael Hickey, of the diocese of Newark, Patrick Byrne and Victor Louis Regnouf received the sacred order of Sub-deaconship by the Most Rev. Archbishop of Baltimore in the chapel of St. Mary’s Seminary, in that city. On Saturday, Feast of St. Paul, Patrick Francis McCarthy, William Mahoney, John Fagan and Patrick Corrigan, were ordained priests in the same place by the Most Rev. Archbishop.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: The Rev. John Fagan was Pastor of St. John’s from 1868 to 1873.)

140 years ago, or so:
The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
July 14, 1872: “Rev. Father Fagan desires publicly to express his thanks to the various residents of Washington Avenue and Broad Street who gave shelter to members of his congregation overtaken by the storm on their way home from the picnic July 4th. Mr. Coit’s kindness was especially conspicuous, not only offering the shelter of his house to a number, but afterwards conveying them to their homes in his carriage.”

100 years ago, or so:
July 12, 1907: Alumni Association formed. “St. John’s Parochial School Alumni Association was organized last evening at a meeting in the convent of St. John’s Catholic Church. The association began its career with 50 charter members. Only those pupils of the school who passed entrance examinations for the High School were considered as eligible for membership. The following officers were elected: President, Miss Jennie Terry; vice-president, John A. Maher; secretary, Miss Agnes Hanrahan; treasurer, Sister Mercedes. The association will meet every two weeks. The next meeting will be on July 25.”

55 years ago, or so:
July 15, 1954: “The Rev. Nicholas P. Coleman, pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church, a priest of the archdiocese of Hartford for 52 years, today was raised to the status of a domestic prelate with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor. He will have the office also of diocesan consultor. Father Coleman observed the golden jubilee of his ordination on June 15, 1952.”

The One Thing Fr Terry Walsh

What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? Where are we going and how are we getting there? These are of course ‘age-old’ questions that every person should quite naturally ask. The Church teaches us that there is indeed a purpose to life: to know, love, and serve God. But the choice is up to each one of us. After all, God gave us the gift of freedom. We have been given the gift of life with the truth written upon our hearts. Do we seek the truth? Do we live it? If we choose to follow Christ, we’re on our way to eternal salvation and we’ll arrive there through the nourishment of Divine Grace. There is no other way. Therefore, everything we think, say, and do must grow in conformity to the Divine Will. In other words, when we freely choose to lay down our will and take up the Gospel, we have embraced the purpose of our life and we’ll be given all we need to accomplish our salvation. The difficulty lies in our weakness – that is – in our “self-will’.
Our weaknesses, mixed with the problem of pride, can actually blind us to what is true. We can become so enamored by our ‘way of life’ that a shadow may be cast over the beauty of discipleship and we may sadly cling to what is false. Key indicators of this danger zone would be a lack of prayerfulness, an indifference to the gift of the sacraments, and in general, a lack of love for one’s neighbor. Some classic films illustrate the point. Consider Ebenezer Scrooge. He lived year after year worshiping money. He became a shell of a man – the living dead, as it were. But then he is given a great grace and he responds! He admits his error and repents of his selfishness. The scales fall from his eyes and he becomes a new man. A great healing takes place in his soul and it is manifested in the good he seeks to do following the revelation that the one thing that really matters is love. And of course, God is love. Our purpose is to be drawn into that love – right here and right now – never to be separated from God ever again – in this life or the next. Consider the business tycoon Oscar Schindler and his profound awakening during WW II in Nazi Germany. Witness his conversion. He kept inching his way to the truth until- in the end – he broke down in tears realizing the precious value of one human life. He could have saved 4 more people had he bartered his car. Remember the scene from the movie? In the end, the truth overwhelmed him and he embraced it as he sought forgiveness for his sins.
God has revealed Himself as a loving personal knowable Being. He calls each of us to dwell in Him – Truth, Beauty, Love. It all begins here on earth where we ‘prove of love’ for Him by how we live our lives. This world will pass away, St. Paul reminds us, but life in the Trinity is Eternal. It is truly the one thing that matters. So how come human life has been devalued in our world today as if it were merely a commodity? How is it possible that a total disregard for those created in the Image and Likeness of God can be relegated to such cold, calculated efficient destruction – all in the name of “free choice”? How did the lie cast such a horrible shadow over the truth? Could it be that people lost sight of the one thing that really mattered? In the movie Gladiator, the General reminded his troops: “What we do on earth echoes in eternity!” Do we act with an eye toward the one true thing: union with God – Eternal Salvation? Do we promote life or do we contribute to the laissez-fair cultural norms that advocate death to the most innocent brethren in the Image and Likeness of Love? Do we truly advocate life? Do we support those who advocate the one thing?

Pastor’s Corner. . . The celebration of our nation’s independence on July 4th was always marked well in Stamford. This was particularly true following the American Civil War, when the sacrifice of so many tens of thousands of Northern and Southern young men on the battlefields was still fresh in the minds of all Americans—immigrants and Catholics included! For American newspapers, all Catholics were Irish, no matter if born in America or immigrants from elsewhere than the Emerald Isle. The Advocate’s July 2, 1869 number ran a long article about the unofficial yet first noticeable celebration, in which “. . . our Roman Catholic friends appear to be determined to do their part in making the Fourth what it ought to be—a day of popular enjoyment. The July 9th Advocate reported in greater detail: church bells were rung, fire works exploded, citizens went to Shippan Point and Mianus harbor to view the regatta. The paper observed, “The most exciting and interesting feature of the observances of the day is due to the public spirit and enterprise of our Irish-American citizens who celebrated the Fourth by a grand excursion and pic-nic in Woodside Park. Before proceeding to the park, a procession was formed which moved through the principal streets.” Parish priests, religious sisters, municipal dignitaries, along with the police and members of “the hook-and-ladder and hose company” joined with the throngs of Catholics marching through the city according to the various parish societies, accompanied by marching bands. “Last but not least, was a wagon drawn by four horses on which were grouped a number of young girls dressed in white, with red and blue favors, representing the several States in the Union.” Once arrived, refreshments, entertainments, games and dancing were provided until 7:00 p.m.
Those early Independence day celebrations, right after the Civil War, were of exceptional importance, as a means of paying tribute to both the fallen heroes and to those living veterans who had endured the unimaginable horrors of battlefield to preserve the Union. Liberty in America was deemed precious, and the rights of all, even of slaves, sufficient cause for war. Large numbers of Catholics, including newly arrived Irish Catholics, fought valiantly.
On our own 4th of July, when we are again at war, let us not forget that our liberties and freedom are still precious, and that they are still threatened. Even our earliest immigrant members of St. John’s parish, who endured anti-Catholic prejudice, knew that such suffering was worthwhile, both because it was the lot of the true Christian to suffer as did the Master for the faith, and because being in the United States was worth any suffering or hardship that might be required.
Pray for our country on the 4th, for our President, our Congress and, especially, for our troops. The U.S.A. is still the greatest nation on the planet; that’s why so many people still make their way to our shores– and many even make it to Saint John’s! Happy 4th! — Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Aileen Bainton, Jamie Chapin, Angela Bonneau, Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Mary Moriarty, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . .Achille Lamontagne, Rosemarie Gaffney, Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . The last meeting is July 7th. We will resume on September 8th with the study of the Rule of Saint Benedict. All are welcome.

Latin Reading Group. . . Will not meet until mid-August.

Parish Finance Council. . . Will meet on Tuesday, July 6th at 7:30 pm in the rectory.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Annual Bishop’s Appeal. . . Our Parish has met it’s goal of $85,000. The people of Saint John’s have given $86,109. I am very, very grateful to you for your generosity. We can now turn our attention to the needs of the parish, once again.

Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . The oil painting of the most famous and ancient of Roman icons of the Blessed Mother—Salus Populi Romani, the Protectress of Rome—has now been completed and returned to the parish: she is enshrined in the northern side aisle in the top arch, above the statue of Saint Rita. Sometime this week, a spotlight will be installed, as will one to illuminate the bronze statue of Saint Peter. Our Lady is high up, at nearly the same height as the original 9th century icon in the Major Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in Rome. Vigil candles will be placed nearby, as will a votive hanging lamp, within the next weeks. There are kneelers facing Our Lady, which are part of the Baptistry, so parishioners might kneel while offering a prayer to Our Lady and her Divine Son. I am very grateful to a friend of the parish and his family who donated the funds commissioning Grace DeVito, a local portrait artist, to create the beautiful icon for us.

Memorial Votive Lights. . . The two votive lights next to the statue of Saint Peter, and the one which will soon hang before the icon of the Protectress of Rome above the statue of Saint Rita, may be memorialized each week for the intention of a loved one, or for the repose of a deceased loved one for a donation of $20.00 per candle, per week. The memorials will be published in the bulletin. Please call Cindy at ext. 21.

Sunday June 27, 2010 $ 11,731.12
Sunday June 28, 2009 $ 12,682.02
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

July 11th Sunday Readings: Dt 30:10-14; Col1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37.

Hymns for this Sunday . . . (1) 230, (2)183, (3)117, (4)218

Religious Education. . . Parents, even though the summer school vacation has not begun yet, please consider registering your children early for the upcoming religious education classes which begin in October. Just call the rectory, and speak with Cindy [ext 21] or with
Fr. Walsh [ext 14]. Thanks.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . Sunday, August 15th, is one of the most beloved of holy days in the Church’s calendar: The Blessed Virgin Mary, the closest of Christ’s disciples, was the first to enjoy the benefits of her Son’s resurrection, being assumed body and soul to Heaven. Join us in our celebration at 4pm Solemn Sung Vespers, and the solemn blessing of our icon, Salus Populi Romani: Mary the Protectress of Rome. An ice cream social will follow in the rectory backyard. All welcome.

Holy Name Society Pig Roast. . . Will be on Saturday, July 24th following the 4 pm Mass, in the rectory’s backyard. Only for Holy Name members, altar servers and their dads: More details during upcoming weeks. If interested, please call Cindy [ext 21].

God Parents. . . If you are preparing to baptize your baby, you will be looking for Godparents for your child. The Church’s law is clear that, since the Godparents’ role is to provide an example of Catholic life, those chosen must be active and practicing Catholics: regular attendance at Sunday Mass, and regular reception of the sacraments are mandatory; they must be living lives of virtue and charity; if married, the Godparents must be in a valid marriage, meaning they have been married in the Catholic Church. If parents have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the parish priests to discuss them.

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, July 3
4:00 Special Intention Lynda Cole
Sunday, July 4
7:30 Special Intention Teresa Kung req. Joseph & Agnes Kung
10:00 Veterans of the Parish
12:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.
6:00 +Anthony Ramos req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
Monday, July 5
8:00 Souls in Purgatory
12:10 Gavin Samedi Birthday req. Anne Marie Samedi
Tuesday, July 6
8:00 +Isidore Santarelli req. Giannitti Family
12:10 +Luis Tellez req. The Logsdail Family
Wednesday, July 7
8:00 +Ralph Sette req. Pugliese Family
12:10 +Joseph Puhekker req. Raymond & Nicole Phelan
Thursday, July 8
8:00 +Joan O’Brien req. Bob & Marylee MacDougell
12:10 +Mrs. Margarone req. The Marchetti Family
Friday, July 9
8:00 +Joseph & Antanutz Siciliano req. Pugliese Family
12:10 +Jayson Jarrett req. Norma Jarrett
Saturday, July 10
8:00 +Hope & Joseph McAleer req. The McAleer Family
12:10 Special Intention the O’Brien Family req. Bob & Marylee MacDougell

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will meet May 22nd and will then resume in September.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society . . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion . . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday Evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour. . . Is finished for the summer. It will start again in September.

St. John’s in The News:

130 years ago, or so:
The CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC:
July 8, 1878: Stamford. “A grand concert and exhibition by the pupils of St. John’s School took place on the 26th ult., and was a complete and most satisfactory success. The Stamford Quadrille Band, composed of the Irish element, performed its part with ability, and “The Missing Generation,”, “The Martyrdom of St. Cecilia” as well as “It Never Rains But It Pours” were rendered in such a manner as to draw forth rounds of applause from a most critical and overcrowded audience. Such a crowd was never wedged before within the capacious walls of the Town Hall, as on this occasion. Too much praise cannot be given to both pupils and teachers. Where all was done so effectively, comparisons might seem invidious, so I will merely mention those who received prizes at the examinations conducted by Frs. Rogers and Gleason. 1st room boys-Latin, 1st prize, James Lawless; Algebra, James Lawless and James O’Brien 1st prize; Algebra, John Downey and John Fitzgerald 2nd prize; Reading, John Downey, James Lawless, John Fitzgerald and Maurice Downey 1st prize; spelling, James Lawless, 1st prize.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: James Lawless and John Downey would later go on to be ordained priests for the Diocese of Hartford.)

100 years ago, or so:
The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
July 10, 1911: Excursion to North Beach. “The altar-boys, choir-boys, junior choir, eighth grade pupils and Sunday school teachers of St. John’s Catholic Church will have an excursion on the steamer Victor to North Beach, next Thursday. They will report at the Waterside dock at 8:45 a.m. In case of unpleasant weather, Thursday, the excursion will be postponed until the first fine day next week.”

The HARTFORD COURANT:
July 5, 1910: TROLLEY ACCIDENT AT POQUONOCK. “Edward Crandall of Springfield was struck by a Rainbow car at Station 61, Poquonock, at midnight last night, and his left foot was cut off by the wheels of the car. The accident was near the residence of Rev. F. J. Lally of Poquonock, and Father Lally gave Crandall emergency treatment, applying a tourniquet before he was put on the car and brought back to the city.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: The Reverend Francis J. Lally was Pastor of St. John’s Church from 1928 to 1936).

Pastor’s Corner. . . A tradition going back to apostolic times recounts that Saints Peter & Paul had their last meeting before martyrdom on the road to Ostia, outside Rome: Paul to be beheaded near the present Basilica of Saint Paul, and Peter crucified head downward nearby the present Basilica of Saint Peter. From the very beginning, Christian tradition considered Peter and Paul to be inseparable, even if they each had a different mission to fulfill. Peter first confessed his faith in Christ; Paul received the gift of being able to plumb the profundity of its richness. Peter founded the first Christian community coming from the chosen people; Paul became the apostle of the gentiles. With different charisms, they worked for a single cause: building the Church Christ began with the Apostles as its foundation. St. Augustine made this observation: “Only one day is consecrated to the feast of the two apostles [June29th]. But they were also a single unit. Even if they were martyred on different days, they were one. Peter went ahead, Paul followed…Thus we celebrate this feast day, consecrated for us by the blood of these apostles” (Disc. 295, 7-8).
June 29th is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, celebrated at least since the year 258 A.D. during the Roman persecution of the Church by the Emperor Valerian. For the Church founded by Our Lord on the Apostles, with Saint Peter as her visible head, this solemnity is one of the most important, since it focuses on God’s generous desire to remain with us until the end of time through His Catholic Church; and upon man’s response, sometimes faltering, yet ultimately manifesting God’s power through human weakness.

Pope St. Leo the Great commented about Peter and Paul: “Of their merits and their virtues – which were superior from all accounts – we cannot think of anything contradictory or divisive, because Divine election had made them equal, their efforts similar and their end alike.” He continued, addressing the City of Rome: “These are your holy fathers, your true shepherds, who, as much as they were humanly very different from each other, and even if their relationship was not without tensions, Peter and Paul therefore appear as the initiators of a new city, as a concretization of a new and authentic way of being brothers, made possible by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” (In natali apostolorum., 69, 6-7)

And so we can say that today the Church in Rome celebrates its birthday, inasmuch as the two Apostles had laid down its foundations. Moreover, Rome now realizes with greater awareness its mission and its grandeur. In Rome, the link that gave Peter and Paul a common mission has assumed from the first centuries a very specific significance. Like the mythical brothers Romulus and Remus, attributed with the founding of Rome, Peter and Paul likewise are considered as founders of the Church in Rome. The capital of the Roman Empire, which was described in the Book of Revelation as the Whore of Babylon, the destroyer of saints and martyrs, is now replaced by two political and social nobodies, victims of the Imperial persecutions, who shed their blood for the true God they loved, and not for an earthly kingdom. “O, Felix Roma. . . Oh, Happy Rome, whose stones are consecrated by the blood of the Princes of the Apostles”, as an ancient hymn for this feast day proclaims. St. John Chrysostom wrote that “the sky is not as bright when the sun sheds its rays as the city of Rome which radiates the splendor of those burning torches (Peter and Paul) through all the world…This the reason why we love this city…for these two pillars of the Church” (Comm. a Rom 32).

Both were martyred in 67 A.D., and Jerusalem fell in 70 A.D., when Temple was destroyed. The New Covenant forged on the Cross between God and humanity, fulfilling all other covenants since Abraham. With Christ’s resurrection and commission to the Apostles to preach this New Covenant, God’s grace moves out of the world of the Old Covenant and becomes centered in the political and social heart of the Gentile world, with a universal mission to offer salvation to the entire world.

Let us say a special prayer for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, the Successor of Saint Peter, this weekend, and on Tuesday, the Solemnity itself, that the Lord will continue to bless and protect him as he continues the work of Saint Peter in the world. Our statue of Saint Peter is vested in pontifical vestments, to remind us to pray for our Holy Father. Pray, likewise, for the whole church, that she, like Saint Paul, may continue to preach fearlessly the truth of Christ to all. —Mons. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Aileen Bainton, Jamie Chapin, Angela Bonneau, Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Mary Moriarty, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . .Achille Lamontagne, Rosemarie Gaffney, Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

Banns of Marriage:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . The early Church apologists will be studied through June and during the first week of July: 7:30 pm each Wednesday in the rectory: all are welcome. No in-depth knowledge of Church history, nor knowledge of ancient languages is required, since we provide all with English translations, and the classes are open discussions of the texts, moderated by Lois Gandt, Ph.D., and Mons. DiGiovanni, H.E.D.

Latin Reading Group. . . Will begin translating St. Augustine’s homilies on the Letters of Saint John, Wednesday evenings at 6pm in the rectory: all that’s needed is high school Latin, so please join us.

Parish Finance Council. . . Will meet on Tuesday, July 6th at 7:30 pm in the rectory.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Annual Bishop’s Appeal. . . Our Parish has met it’s goal of $85,000. The people of Saint John’s have given $86,109. I am very, very grateful to you for your generosity. We can now turn our attention to the needs of the parish, once again.

Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . The oil painting of the most famous and ancient of Roman icons of the Blessed Mother—Salus Populi Romani, the Protectress of Rome—has now been completed and returned to the parish: she is enshrined in northern side aisle in the top arch, above the statue of Saint Rita. Sometime this week, a spotlight will be installed, as will one to illuminate the bronze statue of Saint Peter. Our Lady is high up, at nearly the same height as the original 9th century icon in the Major Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in Rome. Vigil candles will be placed nearby, as will a votive hanging lamp, within the next weeks. There are kneelers facing Our Lady, which are part of the Baptistry, so parishioners might kneel while offering a prayer to Our Lady and her Divine Son. I am very grateful to a friend of the parish and his family who donated the funds commissioning Grace DeVito, a local portrait artist, to create the beautiful icon for us.

Sunday June 20 2010 $ 9,591.26
Sunday June 21, 2009 $ 10,150.25 “I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

July 4th Sunday Readings: Is 66:10-14c; Gal 6:14-18p; Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9.

Hymns for this Sunday . . . (1) 255, (2)155, (3)222, (4)249

Religious Education. . . Parents, even though the summer school vacation has not begun yet, please consider registering your children early for the upcoming religious education classes which begin in October. Just call the rectory, and speak with Cindy [ext 21] or with
Fr. Walsh [ext 14]. Thanks.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . Sunday, August 15th, is one of the most beloved of holy days in the Church’s calendar: The Blessed Virgin Mary, the closest of Christ’s disciples, was the first to enjoy the benefits of her Son’s resurrection, being assumed body and soul to Heaven. Join us in our celebration at 7pm Solemn Sung Vespers, and the solemn blessing of our icon, Salus Populi Romani: Mary the Protectress of Rome. An ice cream social will follow in the rectory backyard. All welcome.

Holy Name Society Pig Roast. . . Will be on Saturday, July 24th following the 4 pm Mass, in the rectory’s backyard. Altar servers and their dads are also welcome: More details during upcoming weeks. If interested, please call Cindy [ext 21].

God Parents. . . If you are preparing to baptize your baby, you will be looking for Godparents for your child. The Church’s law is clear that, since the Godparents’ role is to provide an example of Catholic life, those chosen must be active and practicing Catholics: regular attendance at Sunday Mass, and regular reception of the sacraments are mandatory; they must be living lives of virtue and charity; if married, the Godparents must be in a valid marriage, meaning they have been married in the Catholic Church. If parents have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the parish priests to discuss them.

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, June 26
4:00 +Vincent Freccia, Jr. Birthday Remembrance req. Family
Sunday, June 27
7:30 +Anna Do req. Thang Nguyen
10:00 +Frances Delaney Birthday Remembrance req. Family
12:00 +Anthony & Derrick Ramos req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
6:00 +Thomas Mitchell req. Eileen Hernon
Monday, June 28
8:00 +Francesantonio Pugliese req. Pugliese Family
12:10 Thanksgiving to God
Tuesday, June 29
8:00 Special Intention Frank Pugliese req. Brother
12:10 +Camille Mascia req. Brother, Frank D’Amico
Wednesday, June 30
8:00 Special Intention Gabriel Macchio req. Pugliese Family
12:10 Thanksgiving to God req. Sandy Rivera
Thursday, July 1
8:00 In Honor of the Most Precious Blood of our Lord req. Marion Morris & Family
12:10 +Charles Pascale req. John Pascale
Friday, July 2
8:00 +Margaret M. Timon req. Thomas A. Timon
12:10 +Joe & Mary Megale req. Pugliese Family
Saturday, July 3
8:00 Special Intention Kathia Bailey req. Pugliese Family
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will meet May 22nd and will then resume in September.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society . . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion . . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday Evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour. . . Is finished for the summer. It will start again in September.

St. John’s in The News:
150 years ago, or so:
The HARTFORD COURANT:
July 3, 1858: Religious Intelligence. “Bishop McFarland (Romish) [a derogatory word for "Roman Catholic" used by the anti-Catholic press] administered the rite of confirmation to about 70 persons on Sunday last, in Stamford.”

120 years ago, or so:
The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
July 1, 1881: The Fourth at Woodside. “For many years past, the Roman Catholic societies have held a picnic in Woodside Park on the Nation’s birthday. This year there will be an extraordinary good time as special efforts are being made to have it so. In the park, various athletic sports and games will be given, including, a ten-mile walk between Swan, Kane, Callee and Bowles of Greenwich, for a purse of $30. The order of procession to the park will be as follows: St. John’s Cornet Band. Sunday-school children and various sodalities of the church. St. Patrick’s Temperance and Benevolent Society. St. John’s Benevolent Society. Ancient Order of Hibernians. Stamford Cornet Band. Robert Emmett Club. St. Joseph’s Young Men’s Temperance Society. Other members of the congregation in carriages and on foot. Refreshments of all kinds will be for sale on the grounds. Platform and music for dancing, etc.”

35 years ago, or so:
The NEW YORK TIMES:
July 1, 1977: 1,500 at Funeral Hear Walter Kennedy Hailed As ‘Man for All People.’ “Larry O’Brien, Pete Rozelle and Bowie Kuhn, the commissioners of basketball, football and baseball, respectively, were among the 1,500 people attending the funeral mass for J. Walter Kennedy today at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church. Several hundred more people were outside the church paying tribute to the former mayor of Stamford and commissioner of the National Basketball Association.”

25 years ago, or so:
The FAIRFIELD COUNTY CATHOLIC:
July 1987: The Church in Fairfield County—a new book.’ “Does a good knowledge of history have an effect on the way we view the present? “Yes” says Father Stephen M. DiGiovanni, diocesan historian. Father DiGiovanni is the author of a new book entitled “The Catholic Church in Fairfield County,” which is expected to be published in December of 1987 by Mulvery, Inc. of New York.”

Lasers uncover first icons of Sts. Peter and Paul
Twenty-first century laser technology has opened a window into the early days of the Catholic Church, guiding researchers through the dank, musty catacombs beneath Rome to a startling find: the first known icons of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Vatican officials unveiled the paintings Tuesday, discovered along with the earliest known images of the apostles John and Andrew in an underground burial chamber beneath an office building on a busy street in a working-class Rome neighborhood.
The images, which date from the second half of the 4th century, were uncovered using a new laser technique that allows restorers to burn off centuries of thick white calcium carbonate deposits without damaging the brilliant dark colors of the paintings underneath.
The technique could revolutionize the way restoration work is carried out in the miles (kilometers) of catacombs that burrow under the Eternal City where early Christians buried their dead.
The icons were discovered on the ceiling of a tomb of an aristocratic Roman woman at the Santa Tecla catacomb, near where the remains of the apostle Paul are said to be buried.
Rome has dozens of such burial chambers and they are a major tourist attraction, giving visitors a peek into the traditions of the early church when Christians were often persecuted for their beliefs. Early Christians dug the catacombs outside Rome’s walls as underground cemeteries, since burial was forbidden inside the city walls and pagan Romans were usually cremated.
The art that decorated Rome’s catacombs was often simplistic and symbolic in nature. The Santa Tecla catacombs, however, represent some of the earliest evidence of devotion to the apostles in early Christianity, Vatican officials said.
“The Christian catacombs, while giving us value with a religious and cultural patrimony, represent an eloquent and significant testimony of Christianity at its origin,” said Monsignor Giovanni Carru, the No. 2 in the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission of Sacred Archaeology, which maintains the catacombs.
Last June, the Vatican announced the discovery of the icon of Paul at Santa Tecla, timing the news to coincide with the end of the Vatican’s year of St. Paul. Pope Benedict XVI also said tests on bone fragments long attributed to Paul “seemed to confirm” that they did indeed belong to the Roman Catholic saint.
On Tuesday, Vatican archaeologists announced the image of Paul was not found in isolation, but was part of a square ceiling painting that also included icons of three other apostles – Peter, John and Andrew – surrounding an image of Christ as the Good Shepherd. “They are the first icons. These are absolutely the first representations of the apostles,” said Fabrizio Bisconti, the superintendent of archaeology for the catacombs.
Bisconti spoke from inside the intimate burial chamber, its walls and ceilings covered with paintings of scenes from the Old Testament, including Daniel in the lion’s den and Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac. Once inside, visitors see the loculi, or burial chambers, on three sides.
But the gem is on the ceiling, where the four apostles are painted inside gold-rimmed circles against a red-ochre backdrop. The ceiling is also decorated with geometric designs, and the cornices feature images of naked youths.
Chief restorer Barbara Mazzei noted there were earlier known images of Peter and Paul, but these were depicted in narratives. The images in the catacomb – with their faces in isolation, encircled with gold and affixed to the four corners of the ceiling painting – are devotional in nature and as such represent the first known icons.
“The fact of isolating them in a corner tells us it’s a form of devotion,” she said. “In this case, saints Peter and Paul, and John and Andrew are the most antique testimonies we have.”
In addition, the images of Andrew and John show much younger faces than are normally depicted in the Byzantine-inspired imagery most often associated with the apostles, she said.
The Vatican’s Sacred Archaeology office oversaw the two-year $73,650 (€60,000) project, which for the first time used lasers to restore frescoes in catacombs, where the damp air makes the procedure particularly difficult.
In this case, the small burial chamber at the end of the catacomb was encased in up to two inches (five centimeters) of calcium carbonate. Restoration using previous techniques would have meant scraping away the buildup by hand, leaving a filmy layer on top so as not to damage the painting underneath.
Using the laser technique, restorers were able to sear off all the deposits by setting the laser to burn only on the white of the calcium carbonate; the laser’s heat stopped when it reached a different color. Researchers then easily chipped off the seared material, revealing the brilliant ochre, black, green and yellow underneath, Mazzei said.
Similar technology has been used on statues, particularly metallic ones damaged by years of outdoor pollution, she said. However, the Santa Tecla restoration marked the first time lasers had been adapted for use in the dank interiors of catacombs. Many of Rome’s catacombs are open regularly to the public. However, the Santa Tecla catacombs will be open only on request to limited groups to preserve the paintings, she said.

Pastor’s Corner. . . These past few weeks have been very busy. In various ways, and with different events, we recall and observe the 1886 dedication of our church each May. This year, we have had a non-stop procession of magnificent cultural events, which attracted hundreds of parishioners and non-parishioners, alike. The man at the helm of these events has been Father Audette, whom I wish to thank. If anyone approaching retirement is puzzled about what to do during retirement, talk to Father Al. He retired three years ago from being the pastor of two important parishes in Danbury and Brookfield—and began graduate studies in clinical psychology at Fordham College, completing his masters degree this past February. As his university work drew to a close, he finalized his plans for the parish events: May 1st, we had the Metropolitan Opera and the Richard Tucker Foundation provide us with A Night at the Opera in church; May 7th, a jazz concert in the parish hall; May13th, the Manhattan String Quartet performed in church; May 29th, the Lumina String Quintet performed in the rectory ballroom; June 10th, 11th & 12th, was the final event: a parish production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, directed by Father Audette. I am very grateful to him for his indefatigable efforts in favor of our parish. Thank you, Fr. Al, for all your hard work and daily priestly example, for which we are grateful.
I want to thank the entire cast of parishioners who performed in The Mousetrap: Lisa D’Acunto, Doug and Trish DePhillips, Juanita Evans, Micke Guarnieri, Joe Maker, Joe McAleer, Louise Munro, Monica O’Brien and Dan Tomaselli all worked for months rehearsing as a full group and individually with Father Audette to prepare for the three night presentation of this London theatrical classic. Each night was funnier and better than the previous performance, and the full-house audience enjoyed it immensely.
Saint John’s is a splendid parish, and I am proud of the generosity and talent of the priests and parishioners, alike. Please accept my thanks to all who worked so diligently to make these events so successful. I encourage our parishioners to keep an eye peeled for upcoming cultural and spiritual events in the parish—you won’t find another parish so active as Saint John’s. God bless you. —Mons. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Achille Lamontagne, Jamie Chapin, Angela Bonneau, Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Mary Moriarty, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Rosemarie Gaffney, Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Dolores A. Deluca Freccia, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

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

Banns of Marriage: Third Banns: Laura Licursi & Angelo Mazzola
Gabriela Trevino Perez Abreu & Johan Laver Alexandra Borsicault & Jerry Perez
Wendy Monteagudio & Joseph Pellicci
Christine Cronin & Michael Mayer
Clezoy George & Wiline Zaillane

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . The early Church apologists will be studied through June and during the first week of July: 7:30 pm each Wednesday in the rectory: all are welcome. No in-depth knowledge of Church history, nor knowledge of ancient languages is required, since we provide all with English translations, and the classes are open discussions of the texts, moderated by Lois Gandt, Ph.D., and Mons. DiGiovanni, H.E.D.

Latin Reading Group. . . Will begin translating St. Augustine’s homilies on the Letters of Saint John, Wednesday evenings at 6pm in the rectory: all that’s needed is high school Latin, so please join us.

Parish Finance Council. . . Will meet on Tuesday, July 6th at 7:30 pm in the rectory.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Annual Bishop’s Appeal. . . Our Parish has met it’s goal of $85,000. The people of Saint John’s have given $86,109. I am very, very grateful to you for your generosity. We can now turn our attention to the needs of the parish, once again.

Sunday June 13 2010 $ 11,054.25
Sunday June 14, 2009 $ 11,508.51
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

June 27th Sunday Readings: 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21; Gal 5:1, 13-18; Lk 9:51-62.

Hymns for this Sunday . . . (1) 141, (2)216, (3)239, (4)187

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Religious Education. . . Parents, even though the summer school vacation has not begun yet, please consider registering your children early for the upcoming religious education classes which begin in October. Just call the rectory, and speak with Cindy [ext 21] or with
Fr. Walsh [ext 14]. Thanks.

Solemn Blessing of Saint Peter Statue. . . Will take place on Sunday, June 27th during the
10 a.m. Family Mass. Please join us.

Holy Name Society Pig Roast. . . Will be on Saturday, July 24th following the 4 pm Mass, in the rectory’s backyard. Altar servers and their dads are also welcome: More details during upcoming weeks. If interested, please call Cindy [ext 21].

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. . . Sunday, August 15th, is one of the most beloved of holy days in the Church’s calendar: The Blessed Virgin Mary, the closest of Christ’s disciples, was the first to enjoy the benefits of her Son’s resurrection, being assumed body and soul to Heaven. Join us in our celebration at 4pm Solemn Sung Vespers, and the solemn blessing of our icon, Salus Populi Romani: Mary the Protectress of Rome. An ice cream social will follow in the rectory backyard. All welcome.

God Parents. . . If you are preparing to baptize your baby, you will be looking for Godparents for your child. The Church’s law is clear that, since the Godparents’ role is to provide an example of Catholic life, those chosen must be active and practicing Catholics: regular attendance at Sunday Mass, and regular reception of the sacraments are mandatory; they must be living lives of virtue and charity; if married, the Godparents must be in a valid marriage, meaning they have been married in the Catholic Church. If parents have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the parish priests to discuss them.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, June 19
4:00 +Charles & Josephine Davis req. The Melfi Family
Sunday, June 20
7:30 +John & Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Young
10:00 +Justine Smith req. LAOH
12:00 +Fausta Fernandez req. Borromeo Family
6:00 All Souls in Purgatory
Monday, June 21
8:00 Suzette Ternier, Birthday req. Melissa Ternier
12:10 +Josephine D’Amico req. Son-Frank
Tuesday, June 22
8:00 Special intention, Michael & Celeste req. Francis Baranowski
12:10 +Edward Chalupsky req. Mary Chalupsky
Wednesday, June 23
8:00 +Mamie Chalupsky req. Mary Chalupsky
12:10 +Fred Lee req. Mary Chalupsky
Thursday, June 24
8:00 Special intention, Stephen Baranowski req. Francis Baranowski
12:10 +Rosemary Gaffney req. Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni
Friday, June 25
8:00 Special intentions
12:10 Msgr. DiGiovanni req. Millie Terenzio
Saturday, June 26
8:00 +Anna Iantorno req. Carpanzano Family
12:10 +John O’Hara Sr. & Son, John req. Stephanie O’Hara

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will meet May 22nd and will then resume in September.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society. . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion. . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday Evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour. . . Is finished for the summer. It will start again in September.

St. John’s in The News:
100 years ago, or so:
The Stamford Advocate:
June 25, 1910: PAROCHIAL SCHOOL’S GRADUATING CLASS. “Twenty pupils of St. John’s parochial school received diplomas of graduation yesterday afternoon, in the Lyceum theatre, wherein, through the courtesy of Antonia Geronimo, lessee, were held the graduation exercises of the class of 1910. The diplomas were awarded the pupils by Rev. James C. O’Brien, pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church; and later, when they were preparing to depart with the precious sheepskin, Father O’Brien addressed a few words of encouragement to them and advice to their friends and parents. The Lyceum was filled with the relatives and friends of the graduates and the program was thoroughly enjoyed. The efforts of the pupils were rewarded with frequent applause, and there was, indeed, much that merited the applause. The music was under the direction of Miss Margaret M. Kennedy, and Frank Smith’s orchestra also played. For a starter, the orchestra played an overture and then pupils of Grades 8 and 9 sang Gounod’s “Praise ye the Father.”

85 years ago, or so:
The HARTFORD COURANT:
June 21, 1927: Rev. N. P. Coleman Of Stamford Finishes Twenty Five Years as Priest. “Rev. Nicholas P. Coleman, now the pastor of St. Catherine’s Church, Riverside, has completed 25 years in the priesthood. As a mark of esteem, members of his parish presented him a purse of $4,125. Father Coleman, the son of John Coleman and Mary Fitzpatrick Coleman of 1467 State Street, New Haven, was born in that city July 9, 1874. He was graduated from St. Francis’ School and Hillhouse High of New Haven, and completed his classical studies at St. Charles’ College, Baltimore.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: The Rev. N.P. Coleman served as an Assistant at St. John’s from 1911 to 1913, and as Pastor from 1936 to 1963.)

35 years ago, or so:
The Catholic Transcript:
June 24, 1977: Bridgeport. “Bishop Walter W. Curtis will ordain Stephen M. DiGiovanni to the priesthood for the Diocese of Bridgeport in St. Raphael’s Church here this Saturday, June 25, at 10 A.M. He took his seminary studies at St. Thomas, Bloomfield; St. Mary’s, Baltimore; and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is currently a candidate for a Licentiate in Ecclesiastical History at the Gregorian University. Father DiGiovanni will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving this Sunday, June 26, at 12 Noon.”

St. John the Baptist – Fr. Terry Walsh
On June 24th we will celebrate the Solemnity of the birth of John the Baptist. There are only three birthdays we celebrate as Solemnities: Jesus, on Christmas day; the Blessed Virgin Mary, on September 8th; and finally, St. John the Baptist, on June 24th. Jesus, of course, IS sanctity. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Immaculate Conception. And, John the Baptist was likewise sanctified in the womb. Recall the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. When Mary arrived, carrying Jesus in Her womb, and greeted Elizabeth, John leaped for joy in the womb of Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, the One who takes away the sins of the world; the One for whom the Baptist was to prepare the way. When Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptized by John and begin His public ministry, John tells his disciples that Jesus must “increase” while he must “decrease” (see John 3:30). Interestingly, we celebrate the birth of Jesus on the Solemnity of Christmas just as the days begin to grow longer – as Light increases. Likewise, we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist as the daylight begins to decrease. The natural world reflects a spiritual reality: Jesus is the Light. John the Baptist points to Him and beckons all to follow Him—to walk in the Light.
When questioned by the priests from Jerusalem as to his identity, John plainly tells them: “I am not the Christ…I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said…I baptize with water, but among you stands One you do not know…the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie”(Jn 1:20, 23, 26). We would discover later, as the Gospel unfolds, that their hearts were hindered by worldly concerns and the desire for places of honor; their minds clouded by pride. John the Baptist persisted, nonetheless: “No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before Him. He who has the bride is the bridegroom, who stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice; therefore this joy of mine is now full”(Jn 3:27-29). As His public ministry unfolds, our Lord performs great signs and miracles thereby manifesting His Divine Light. He reveals to His disciples: “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life”(Jn 8:12); and again, “While you have the Light, believe in the Light, that you may become sons of the Light”(Jn 12:36).
As faithful members of the Mystical Body of Christ, we too, are expected to “decrease” and allow the Light of Christ to “increase” in us. Indeed, we pray for it each time we pray the Our Father, asking God to help us let go of our self will so that we can more faithfully conform to His will. As we grow in virtue, we increasingly become more and more like Him. At the same time of course, we must “decrease” our faults and failings. As we make a habit of prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude, the Holy Spirit will perfect these virtues – and every other virtue – especially the ‘theological’ virtues of faith, hope, and love – in us and mold us into true images of the Son. We simply need to cooperate with Him. If we are docile to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the Temple of our souls, we will accomplish the mission – the vocation – that He has assigned to each one of us and consequently help to build up the Mystical Body of Christ. Jesus must increase and we must decrease in order that we be made whole and come to full maturity in our spiritual lives.

Pastor’s Corner. . . “As Christ is my witness, I never enter the Temple of the Prince of the Apostles [Saint Peter’s in the Vatican] and contemplate his image, then I am filled with such emotion that tears run down my cheeks like rain from heaven”, so wrote Pope Saint Gregory II [pope 715-731] to the Byzantine Emperor Leo III. A much venerated statue of Saint Peter has stood within the walls of the Vatican Basilica at least from the time of Pope Saint Leo the Great [pope 440-461]. The present-day iteration in bronze was cast by the renowned gothic artist Arnolfo di Cambio [1245-1302], and is one of the most memorable of the artworks within the walls of Saint Peter’s Basilica. A nearly continuous group of devotees and the curious crowd around the statue: the curious snap photos; the devout kiss the extended right foot of Saint Peter, which has been worn smooth from centuries of piety.
As a Minor Basilica in The City that Cares, to use Mayor Pavia’s title, it was essential that Saint John’s follow as closely as possible upon the example of the greatest of Major Basilicas in the Eternal City. Our statue was copied directly from the original in the Vatican: photographed by the artist, who then prepared a life sized clay model, then cast it in bronze, carved the marble throne as an exact replica of the original, and shipped both from the workshop in Livorno, Italy to Stamford, Connecticut—the Fourth Rome!
The statue is a gift from a friend of the parish who wishes to remain anonymous. Saint Peter, as the icon of Our Lady the Protectress of the Roman People, which arrived two weeks ago, are impressive and tangible symbols of the shared Catholic faith and close tie the people and priests of the Basilica of Saint John have with our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Both will be blessed during Mass on Sunday, June 27th, in preparation for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th. Each time we visit the Basilica or come for Mass, we should pause at the icon of Our Lady and at the statue of Saint Peter and say a prayer for our Holy Father, and kiss Peter’s extended foot, as a sign of our love for the Successor of Saint Peter and our devotion and love for the Church Our Lord established upon Peter, the Rock. Please say a prayer, likewise, for the donors of both works of art and for their families, without whose generosity we would not be so blessed. God bless you!—Mons. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Angela Bonneau, Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Mary Moriarty, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Rosemarie Gaffney, Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Dolores A. Deluca Freccia, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

Banns of Marriage: Second Banns: Laura Licursi & Angelo Mazzola
Gabriela Trevino Perez Abreu & Johan Laver
Alexandra Borsicault & Jerry Perez
Wendy Monteagudio & Joseph Pellicci
Christine Cronin & Michael Mayer
Clezoy George & Wiline Zaillane

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . The early Church apologists will be studied through June: 7:30 pm each Wednesday in the rectory: all are welcome.

Latin Reading Group. . . Will begin translating St. Augustine’s homilies on the Letters of Saint John, Wednesday evenings at 6pm in the rectory: all that’s needed is high school Latin, so please join us.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Annual Bishop’s Appeal. . . Our Parish goal is $85,000. Please be generous to Bishop Lori.

St. Mary’s, Elm Street. . . will be holding its 15th Annual Family Fair on 5 consecutive nights from June 16-20.  There will be a variety of rides, foods, entertainment, $10,000 Cash raffle, Silent Auction (includes Yankees & Mets tickets) and discounted wrist bands (not good for Friday or Saturday).  $5 admission for adults includes Pizza Fritta.  Hours:  Wed, Thurs, Fri. 6-10 pm; Sat. 5-10 pm; Sun. 4-9 pm.

Baby Bottle Drive. . . June 19-20 & 26-27 to help the St. Gerard Center for Life, a Hartford based Catholic agency to help young mothers. Fill a baby bottle with cash, change or checks [made out to St. Gerard Center for Life], and drop off the bottles at the church during the last weekends of June. For more information: stgerardcenter.org

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Sunday June 6, 2010 $ 13,568.70
Sunday June 7, 2009 $ 9,983.45
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, June 12
4:00 +John & Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Young
Sunday, June 13
7:30 +John & Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Young
10:00+Rosanne Fazio req. Frank D’Amico-Uncle
12:00 Thanksgiving of favors received-St. Anthony of Padua req. Marion Morris & Family
6:00+Matthew Kenealy, Jr. req. Vera Schorr
Monday, June 14
8:00 People of the parish
12:10 Thanksgiving to St. Anthony req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
Tuesday, June 15
8:00+William Cubbage req. Mary Chalupsky
12:10+Gerard Albert req. Mary Churley
Wednesday, June 16
8:00+Charles Chalupsky req. Mary Chalupsky
12:10+Lillian Chalupsky req. Mary Chalupsky
Thursday, June 17
8:00+Walter Novak req. Mary Chalupsky
12:10+Kushtrim Elezaj req. Ferry Galbert
Friday, June 18
8:00+John Maloney req. Mary-wife
12:10+Martha Novak req. Mary Chalupsky
Saturday, June 19
8:00 +Michael Wisnousky req. Mary Chalupsky
12:10+William Chalupsky req. Mary Chalupsky

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will meet May 22nd and will then resume in September.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society . . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion . . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday Evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour. . . Is finished for the summer. It will start again in September.

St. John’s in The Connecticut catholic:
140 years ago, or so:
June 18, 1869: Stamford. “On the Fourth-or rather on Monday the Fifth of July, St. John’s Roman Catholic Church is to have an excursion to Woodside Park. A good brass and string band is to be engaged, and everything possible will be done to make the occasion an enjoyable one to all who choose to attend.”

130 years ago, or so:
June 18, 1881: Stamford. “A May-day party in June may be somewhat out of time, but that which the pupils of St John’s School enjoyed at Sound Beach last week, and which was the gift of Rev. Father Rogers, was not considered by the children at least out of place. The children, accompanied by Father Rogers and Walsh, left town on an early train, and arriving at the place of destination, immediately gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the occasion. The boys played baseball, kicked football, and ran races; and the girls enjoyed the swings, gathered shells, and otherwise enjoyed themselves as only girls know how. At 4:30, a heavy shower came up, or rather came down, and brought the festivities to an abrupt termination. So picking up their empty lunch baskets, and hoisting a perfect forest of umbrellas, the 200 children made rapid locomotion for the cars, which made still more expeditious locomotion for Stamford, where they arrived at 6 o’clock. The children’s clothes were somewhat damp, but the remembrance of the day’s amusement kept their spirits high, and they joyfully scampered to their homes with beaming faces and hearts brimful of gratitude to Father Rogers, the generous donor of their May-day party in June.”

115 years ago, or so::
June 16, 1894: Stamford. “Last Sunday in St. John’s Roman Catholic Church was witnessed a most pleasing and devotional scene. The members and candidates for admission into the Sodalities of the Children of Mary and Immaculate Conception entered the church singing the Litany of the Blessed Virgin and carrying banners of their respective societies. After vespers were sung a beautiful crown of flowers surmounted by a cross was placed upon the altar, after which a dozen little misses, dressed in white, made offers of garlands and bouquets as pledges of affection and devotion to their heavenly queen. The candidates were then admitted to membership, Miss Mamie Boyle reading the act of consecration. The meaning of the ceremony was then explained and words of encouragement given by Father Rogers.”

The Sacred Heart of Jesus -Fr. Terry Walsh
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin (1647 – 1690) was a Sister of the Visitation at a small town in France called Paray-le-Monial, where she experienced mystical revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Saint Margaret Mary had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and through her private revelations was responsible for reviving and spreading this devotion. There is a magnificent Mosaic above one of the side altars in St. Peter’s Basilica depicting Jesus standing above an altar in a sanctuary revealing his Sacred Heart to Margaret Mary kneeling in adoration.
In speaking about the love of Christ pouring out from His Sacred Heart, St. Margaret Mary wrote:
“It seems to me that our Lord’s earnest desire to have his sacred heart honored in a special way is directed toward renewing the effects of redemption in our souls. For the sacred heart is an inexhaustible fountain and its sole desire is to pour itself out into the hearts of the humble so as to free them and prepare them to lead lives according to his good pleasure. From this divine heart three streams flow endlessly. The first is the stream of mercy for sinners; it pours into their heart sentiments of contrition and repentance. The second is the stream of charity which helps all in need and especially aids those seeking perfection to find the means of surmounting their difficulties. From the third stream flow love and light for the benefit of his friends who have attained perfection; these he wishes to unite to himself so that they may share his knowledge and commandments and, in their individual ways, devote themselves wholly to advancing his glory. This divine heart is an abyss of all blessings, and into it the poor should submerge all their needs. It is an abyss of joy in which all of us can immerse our sorrows. It is an abyss of lowliness to counteract our foolishness, an abyss of mercy for the wretched, an abyss of love to meet our every need.” Therefore, you must unite yourselves to the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, both at the beginning of your conversion in order to obtain proper dispositions, and at its end in order to make reparation. Are you making no progress in prayer? Then you need only offer God the prayers which the Savior has poured out for us in the sacrament of the altar. Offer God his fervent love in reparation for your sluggishness. In the course of every activity pray as follows: ‘My God, I do this or I endure that in the heart of your Son and according to his holy counsels. I offer it to you in reparation for anything blameworthy or imperfect in my actions.’ Continue to do this in every circumstance of life. And every time that some punishment, affliction or injustice comes your way, say to yourself: ‘Accept this as sent to you by the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ in order to unite yourself to him.’ But above all preserve peace of heart. This is more valuable than any treasure. In order to preserve it there is nothing more useful than renouncing your own will and substituting for it the will of the divine heart. In this way his will can carry out for us whatever contributes to his glory, and we will be happy to be his subjects and to trust entirely in him.”
Saint Margaret Mary composed the following prayer offered by many as a daily devotion. She prayed: “I give myself and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, my person and my life, my actions, pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of my being other than to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart. This is my unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love of Him, at the same time renouncing with all my heart whatever is displeasing to Him. I therefore take you, O Sacred Heart, to be the only object of my love, the guardian of my life, my assurance of salvation, the remedy of my weakness and inconstancy, the atonement for all the faults of my life and my sure refuge at the hour of death. Be then, O heart of goodness, my justification before God the Father, and turn away from me the strokes of his righteous anger. O heart of love, I put all my confidence in you, for I fear everything from my own wickedness and frailty, but I hope for all things from your goodness and bounty. Remove from me all that can displease you or resist your Holy will; let your pure love imprint your image so deeply upon my heart, that I shall never be able to forget you or to be separated from you. May I obtain from all your loving kindness the grace of having my name written in your heart, for in you I desire to place all my happiness and glory, living and dying in bondage to you.”
Each year we honor the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Friday within the Octave of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the following Saturday, the day of Mary.

Pastor ’s Corner. . . June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion that centers on the physical human heart of Jesus Christ as a symbol of His divine love for mankind. Throughout the centuries, the human heart has been a sign of human love—what do you normally send out on Valentine’s Day, except a card with hearts all over it? Every form of devotion to Our Lord’s humanity has as its object the devotion to the entire Christ who is the Word Incarnate: the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son of the Eternal Father, who became a man so that mankind could share in God’s divine life. So our devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart is a devotion to much more than a blood-pumping organ. Our devotion to His human heart of flesh is as the true and natural symbol of His threefold love: His human love; His sensible and spiritual love, infused with supernatural charity; and His divine love as the Word Incarnate, the Son of God made man.
The thoughts of the early Church Fathers are based on two texts from John 7: 37-39: “Jesus said, ‘If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” And, John 19: 33-7: “But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.” These and other passages were joined to view the Sacred Heart as the fountain from which issues the Holy Spirit from the Savior’s wounded side. From this came the idea of the Church as born from the pierced Heart of Christ as the new Eve from the side of the new Adam. This was developed during the Middle Ages, as greater devotion to Our Lord’s heart became more popular. St. Bonaventure wrote, “The Church was to be formed from the side of Christ as he slept on the Cross . . . Then, as from a fountain—Christ’s innermost heart—the price of our salvation would pour out, giving to the Church’s sacraments the power of conferring grace and of being for those who live in Christ a drink of the living water ‘that gushes up for eternal life.’” [Reflections on The Tree of Life] Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Gertrude the Great were devoted to the Sacred Heart as a means to join oneself to the mystery of the Incarnate God living in the Church and Her sacraments; the visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque brought public attention and devotion to Jesus and His Sacred Heart.
The Heart of Jesus, then, is the symbol of His total love for the Eternal Father, overflowing to us. Through this devotion one goes to the total love of the Word Incarnate, and also to that love by which the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit love sinful humanity—not merely as a group, but each of us individually, and desires to redeem each of us for eternity by means of Christ’s Incarnation and Suffering, Death and Resurrection, made present through the Church and the Church’s sacraments. The image of Jesus’ Heart, afire with love, crowned with thorns, and pierced, has become the symbol par excellence of the Incarnation, the passion and depth of God’s love for every human person that led the Three Divine Persons of the Trinity all to contribute to our salvation through the life and Cross of Jesus.
We should all cultivate a personal devotion to Our Lord’s Sacred Heart as a reminder of that Divine Love for each of us, and to stimulate our personal response to that Sacred Love. June is an easy month to see personal responses to Jesus’ love: it is filled with martyrs, more so than most months. The martyrs are those individuals who refused to renounce Jesus even to avoid suffering and death., either publicly because of governmental persecution, or privately, when urged to immorality. Death was preferable to denouncing love. Either way, they imitated Christ, obedient even to death. Love of God is serious stuff.—Mons. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Angela Bonneau, Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Mary Moriarty, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Rosemarie Gaffney, Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Dolores A. Deluca Freccia, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

Banns of Marriage: First Banns:
Laura Licursi & Angelo Mazzola
Gabriela Trevino Perez Abreu & Johan Laver
Alexandra Borsicault & Jerry Perez
Wendy Monteagudio & Joseph Pellicci
Christine Cronin & Michael Mayer
Clezoy George & Wiline Zaillane

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . The early Church apologists will be studied through June: 7:30 pm each Wednesday in the rectory: all are welcome.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Annual Bishop’s Appeal. . . Our Parish goal is $85,000. Please be generous to Bishop Lori.

St. Mary’s, Elm Street. . . will be holding its 15th Annual Family Fair on 5 consecutive nights from June 16-20.  There will be a variety of rides, foods, entertainment, $10,000 Cash raffle, Silent Auction (includes Yankees & Mets tickets) and discounted wrist bands (not good for Friday or Saturday).  $5 admission for adults includes Pizza Fritta.  Hours:  Wed, Thurs, Fri. 6-10 pm; Sat. 5-10 pm; Sun. 4-9 pm.

Baby Bottle Drive. . . June 19-20 & 26-27 to help the St. Gerard Center for Life, a Hartford based Catholic agency to help young mothers. Fill a baby bottle with cash, change or checks [made out to St. Gerard Center for Life], and drop off the bottles at the church during the last weekends of June. For more information: stgerardcenter.org

Sunday May 30, 2010 $ 9,944.26
Sunday May 31, 2009 $ 12,612.88
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

June 13th Sunday Readings: 2 Sm 12:7-10, 13; Gal 2:16, 19-21; Lk 7:36—8:3 or 7:36-50.

Hymns for this Sunday . . . (1) 126, (2)120

Choral Music for the 12:00 Noon Mass:
Mass Ordinary: Mass for four voices – William Byrd 1540-1623.
All are encouraged to sing the Creed at the Noon Mass, which may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.
The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are:
Introit Cibavit eos (He fed them with the finest of wheat, alleluia; and with honey from the rock he satisfied them, alleluia, alleluia. Rejoice in honour of God our helper; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. [Ps.81:17,2,3,11]);
Alleluia Caro mea (My Flesh is the True Food, my Blood is the True Drink; he who eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood abides in me, and I in him. [John 6:56,57])
Sequence Lauda Sion (O Zion, praise thy Saviour, thy Prince and thy Shepherd; praise him with hymns and canticles. Make bold praise to him with all thy strength; for he surpasseth all praise; thou shalt ne’er be fully equal to the task. A special theme of praise, the living and life-giving Bread, is on this day proposed. Upon the table of the Last Supper, to the group of the brethren Twelve, this bread was truly given. Behold this Bread of Angels which hath become food for us on our pilgrimage; it is truly the Bread of God’s children, let it ne’er be thrown to dos. Scripture announced it figuratively by Isaac’s sacrifice, by the Paschal Lamb and by the manna given to our forefathers. O Good Shepherd and most true Bread of life, Lord Jesus, have mercy upon us; feed us and protect us, bring us to the vision of eternal riches in the land of the living. Thou who knowest and canst accomplish all things, who dost feed us in this mortal life, make us thy chosen guests, the co-heirs and companions of thy saints in the heavenly city.)
Offertory Portas cæli (The Lord opened the doors of heaven and rained down manna upon them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven; man ate the bread of angels, alleluia. [Ps. 77:23-25])
Communion Qui manducat (He who eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood, abides in me, and I in him. [John 6:57])
Offertory Motet: O sacrum convivium – Olivier Messiaen, 1908-1992
(O sacred banquet! in which Christ is received, the memory of his Passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory to us is given. Alleluia.)
Communion Motet: Ave verum corpus – William Byrd 1540-1623
(Hail the true body, born of the Virgin Mary: You who truly suffered and were sacrificed on the cross for the sake of man. From whose pierced flank flowed water and blood: Be a foretaste for us in the trial of death. [O sweet, O merciful, O Jesus, Son of Mary.] [Have mercy on me. Amen.])

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, June 5
4:00 Rev. Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni req. Millie
Sunday, June 6
7:30 Special Intention Saverio & Margaret Ferraro req. James & Lori Rubino
10:00 +Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hurter req. Friend
12:00 Punken req. the Marchetti Family
6:00 +Eugene & Anicia C. Alexandre req. Joseph Alexandre
Monday, June 7
8:00 Souls in Purgatory
12:10 +Varkey Apraim req. Regi
Tuesday, June 8
8:00 Msgr. DiGiovanni-God’s Blessing req. Our Lady of Loreto Altar Guild
12:10 Special Intentions
Wednesday, June 9
8:00 William A. Gannon, Jr. req. Gannon Family
12:10 +Nicholas, Eva, Charles, Charles, Jr. & Anna, Joseph Krunk req. Mary Churley
Thursday, June 10
8:00 Special intentions Sabine Auguste
12:10 +William R. Plank req. Susie Viggiano
Friday, June 11
8:00 +Virgina & Eileen Carr req. Marie Carr
12:10 +Mr. Octavius & Mrs. Venilia Mehu req. Grandchildren
Saturday, June 12
8:00 +Hope & Joseph McAleer req. The McAleer Family
12:10 Special Intention Julianne DeMarco req. Her children

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will meet May 22nd and will then resume in September.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society . . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion . . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday Evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour. . . After the 10:00 a.m. Mass. All are welcome.

St. John’s in the ADVOCATE:
140 years ago, or so:
June 7, 1872: The Corner Stone. “It is definitely decided that the corner stone of the Roman Catholic Church will be laid on the 23rd. inst. Great preparations are being made to have the occasion one long to be remembered in the history of our locality.”

125 years ago, or so:
June 6, 1884: “St John’s R. C. School exhibition was witnessed by a crowded house, in the Town Hall, last Thursday evening. The stage management of such a large body of young children is by no means an easy task, but it was accomplished with a degree of success high creditable to both teachers and pupils. The proficiency in music of so many of the young folks was particularly noticeable.”

75 years ago, or so:
June 10, 1934: Father Lonergan Will Sing Mass. “The Rev. Thomas F. Lonergan, ordained to the priesthood a week ago by the Most Rev. Bishop John A. Duffy in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Buffalo, N.Y., will sing his first solemn high Mass at St. Clement’s Church, Fairfield Ave., tomorrow morning. The son of Thomas and Katherine Gorman Lonergan, Father Lonergan completed his early education at St. John’s Parochial School in 1925, then entered St. John’s Preparatory School in Andover, Mass., under the tutelage of the Xaverian Brothers.”

June 13, 1934: COURT OF HONOR AWARD FOR SCOUT ROBERT GRAHAM. “Scout Robert Graham of Troop 22, St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, was awarded the Silver Eagle Palm at the June Court of Honor of the Stamford Council, Boy Scouts of America. The requirements for the award are that an Eagle Scout shall continue to serve in Scouting for a period of at least one and one-half years after becoming an Eagle Scout, and to earn 15 additional merit badges beyond the 21 required for the Eagle rank.”

40 years ago, or so:
June 8, 1970: St. Ann Society Final Meeting Held on Sunday. “The St. Ann Society of St. John Catholic Church held the final meeting of the season, Sunday at 3 p.m., in its rooms in St. John’s School. A rummage sale is planned for today through Friday in the church basement. Proceeds will be given to Senior Citizens of the Friendly Circle, sponsored by the Society. On July 22 a Mass, honoring St Ann’s feast day, will be celebrated at 5 p.m., and a pot-luck supper will be served in the school basement rooms. Members and friends will be invited.”

Corpus Christi
The Body of Christ -Fr. Terry Walsh

What love God has for His children. Through our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharistic Host we behold the Lamb of God each day right before our very eyes when we kneel before Him at Mass and hear the words “The Body of Christ.” Our “Amen” attests to our belief that God Himself – His very Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity is actually about to enter into our being and change us forever, transforming us more perfectly into His Divine Likeness. And He invites us to receive this gift every day! Imagine if we could only receive Him once a year – or – once in a lifetime. Would we approach Him differently? Would we prepare for that intimate moment of God showering His Presence over us, in us, and through us any differently than we do today? Our preparation is integral to receiving Him worthily. After all, we prepare well for special guests that come into our homes. How much more deliberate should our preparation be to receive the author of all life, indeed, of all that is, into our interior home, that is, our individual souls? Our Lord gives us the wonderful gift of the Sacrament of Confession so that we may be purified of anything hindering us from approaching Him with a pure heart and soul. Moreover, as we anticipate His arrival into our souls, we can prepare wonderful gifts to present to Him – the gifts of our good deeds, our cheerful sacrifices, our heartfelt prayers offered throughout the week.
The gift of the Eucharist has come to us at a great price. Sacrosanctum concilium, the Vatican II document on the Sacred Liturgy, put it this way: “At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of His Body and Blood. This He did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of His death and Resurrection: a Sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us’ (SC 47).”
The Eucharist is our Life, and so the Mass, likewise, is our Life. It is through His One Perfect Sacrifice at Calvary, which we enter into at every Holy Mass, that our Lord nourishes us in the life of grace. It is the same Body and Blood that hung upon the Cross, the same Christ that was given to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the same Jesus that has been received by countless souls in the Mystical Body who seek completeness, and, as St. Justin cautions, “…no one may take part in it unless he believes that what we teach is true, has received baptism for the forgiveness of sins and new birth, and lives in keeping with what Christ taught.” And the Church adds: “In the Eucharist the sacrifice of Christ becomes also the sacrifice of the members of His Body. The lives of the faithful, their praise, sufferings, prayer, and work, are united with those of Christ and with his total offering, and so acquire a new value. Christ’s sacrifice present on the altar makes it possible for all generations of Christians to be united with the offering”(ccc1368). Finally, St. Ambrose explains the effect of the words of Consecration: “Be convinced that this (Eucharist) is not what nature has formed, but what the blessing has consecrated. The power of the blessing prevails over that of nature, because by the blessing nature itself is changed…Could not Christ’s word, which can make from nothing what did not exist, change existing things into what they were not before? It is no less a feat to give things their original nature than to change their nature.”

Pastor ’s Corner. . . “When the Lord gave his disciples divine power to regenerate men, he said: ‘Go, teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ This was why the Spirit had descended on God’s Son-made-man, learning thereby to dwell in mankind and to find repose in God’s creatures, carrying out the Father’s will in them and making them new in Christ” [Ireneaus of Lyons, Against Heresies, Book 3].
The entire work to save mankind from sin and death is a work of the Three Divine Persons of the Blessed Trinity, and this can be seen in the Resurrection of Our Lord: the Eternal Son, who died in the flesh in absolute obedience to the Father, is awakened from among the dead by the Eternal Father [“the God of the living”, as Saint Paul calls Him in his Letter to the Romans, 4:17], as a sign of His paternal acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice. Once raised from the dead, the Eternal Son sends forth God’s Spirit into the Church upon the persons of the Twelve Apostles and Our Lady. It is this Spirit that we receive in Confirmation.
The Father, who began the work of salvation with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, forming the Chosen People of Israel, brings that work to fruition through the obedience of His Son, the sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church, and the remaining of the Son in the Church through the work of the Holy Spirit through the sacraments, sanctifying and leading all back to the Father.
Saint John speaks of the witnesses to the truth of Christ: “This is He who came in water and in blood, Jesus Christ; not in water only, but in the water and in the blood. And it is the spirit that bears witness that Christ is the truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word [who is the Son], and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, and the water, and the blood; and these three are one” [I John 5: 5-9].
What is John writing about? Water, is the water of Baptism; Blood is Christ’s shed on the Cross and given us in the Holy Communion. The Trinity continues to work through the Church and the Sacraments, created by Christ.
Even though Jesus returns to the Father in His crucifed and risen human flesh, He enters into a new kind of intimacy with mankind in the Holy Spirit, which he alluded to when He told His Apostles, “I will not leave your orphans” [John 15:18]. Jesus was speaking of His actual incarnate presence in the Church through the Church’s sacraments. It is the Holy Spirit who is Lord of the Sacraments, changing bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ in the miracle of Transubstantiation at Mass, and who empowers God’s creatures used in the sacraments, such as water in Baptism, by which Christ sanctifies us through His incarnate and risen manhood. There is one God who is a Trinity of Persons, working through His Church to save us from death.—Mons. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Emily Turturino, George Szele, Sr., Robert Lebeau, Connie Ward, Cheryl Carucci, Joan Bachman, Nicholas Czekanski, Wilfred Baretto, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Mary Moriarty, Carmella Micik, Julie Grant, Lois Porter, Joseph Lasko, Billy Therriault, Wendy Woodin, Janet Rodgers, Kevin Sutton, Anne Marie Brutus, Rene Villard, Corrie Evans.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Kushtrim Elezaj, William R. Plank, Paul Jankowitz, Matthew H. Kenealy Jr., Anthony P. D’Ariano, Salvatore Piro, Jerry Pellegrino, Andrew Caruso, James R. Clements, Irene Zelinsky, Margaret L. Rekos, Mary Catherine Sheehan, Paul K. Jankowicz, James Thomas, Marjorie L. O’Kane, Lawrence Schmidt Jr., Catherine B. Pullen, Wilhelmina-Belia Falek-Roerhost, Keith Segovia, Frank L. Infante, Dolores A. Deluca Freccia, Haitian Earthquake Victims, Roshah E. DeJean, Paul Reda, Katherine Dziezyc, John Castellano, Eugene Lops, William Wolf, Alfred Gautrau, David Lloyd, Evelyn Mahan.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Continues our study of Eusebius’ Life of Constantine: 7:30 pm each Wednesday in the rectory: all are welcome.

Weekday Morning Mass Time. . . Some people have asked if we would consider changing the morning Mass to 7:30 a.m., which might prove convenient for more people on their way to work. What would you think if daily Morning Mass were at 7:30 a.m. instead of
8 a.m.? Would you come?? Please let us know what you think. Thanks. —Your priests.

Mass On Line. . .Visit the parish website: www.stjohnsstamford.com, click the photo of the church up top, and you’ll see live all that’s going on in church, daily. (Note: Audio requires “ActiveX” which is specifically designed to work with Windows systems [i.e. Internet Explorer]. “ActiveX” by Microsoft is not supported on other operating systems such as Apple “Mac OS” or “GNU/Linux.”) 

Job Seekers. . . Meets the 4th Monday of each month in the rectory at 7:30 pm: all are welcome. Topics include job interviewing, writing of resumes, networking and job seeking strategies. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs: for more info, see: www.redinc.biz

Annual Bishop’s Appeal. . . Our Parish goal is $85,000. Please be generous to Bishop Lori.
This weekend we will provide envelopes in the pews for parishioners to make a pledge.

Borrowed Books. . . This is my annual call to parishioners who have borrowed some of my books to please return them to me. It is delightful that parishioners wish to read theological works, but I would appreciate their return: it’s nothing more serious than an oversight on the part of the readers, but I would like the books back. Thanks very much. Mons. DiGiovanni

DOMINIC SAVIO and MARIA GORETTI SOCIETIES….New York City field trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty will be June 5th, Saturday. Permission slips are required. Call Fr. Walsh if you have any questions. We will board the bus at 8:45 am.

Sunday May 23, 2010 $ 10,323.83
Sunday May 24, 2009 $ 9,879.34
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, May 29
4:00 +John & Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Young
Sunday, May 30
7:30 +Francis Heyman req. Carpanzano Family
10:00 Veterans of the Parish
12:00 +Aniello Preziosi 44th Anniversary req. Children, Grandchildren, Great grandchildren
6:00 +Gloria Beverly req. Wanda Beverly
Monday, May 31
8:00 Special Intention Maiah Rovegno
12:10 Veterans of the Parish
Tuesday, June 1
8:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
12:10 Special Intention Msgr. William A. Nagle req. Diane Strain
Wednesday, June 2
8:00 +Rachel Sottosanti
12:10 +Antion D’Amico req. Son-Frank
Thursday, June 3
8:00 +Margaret M. Timon req. Thomas A. Timon
12:10 +Mary D. Cuneo req. The Underhill Family
Friday, June 4
8:00 +William Morris req. Lois Gandt
12:10 +Antonio Pugliese req. The Pugliese Family
Saturday, June 5
8:00 +William Morris req. Caroline Uva
12:10 Forgotten Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.

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.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ladies’ Society . . .will meet May 22nd and will then resume in September.

Moms & Tots . . . Moms and their kids meets each first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Religious Education. . . Students and Catholic parents are obliged to attend Sunday Mass. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or email at frtwalsh@catholic.org.

St. Anne Society . . .A family society which meets four times a year on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. with prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall. For information, please contact Fr. Walsh (203) 324-1553, ext. 14, or frtwalsh@catholic.org.

Pray to end legalized abortion . . . Weds, 7-10:30a.m., Stamford’s Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . . For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, contact Ferry Galbert 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th – 12th grades. Meets monthly. Questions, please contact Suzanna Bosthwick, 203-554-2004.

The Latin Reading Group. . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 pm in the rectory.

The Legion of Mary. . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory. All are welcome.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Meets Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm in the rectory

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday Evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory.

Coffee Hour. . . After the 10:00 a.m. Mass. All are welcome.

St. John’s in the ADVOCATE:
125 years ago, or so:
June 1, 1886: The Catholic Church Dedication. “The audience assembled on Sunday morning last 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. Not less than twenty-five hundred people, however, obtained entrance, and witnessed the impressive Episcopal dedication by the Rt. Rev. Bishop McMahon and the priests chosen as his assistants for the occasion. The music was very fine; the harmonious conjunction of brass and string instruments with the organ, and the very excellent solo singers and well trained chorus all united to produce a musical effect worthy of the occasion and highly creditable to Prof. Smith and the ladies and gentlemen who so ably assisted him. Following the elaborate and imposing ceremonies as prescribed in the Roman Catholic ritual, came the sermon by the Rev. Dr. Hortsmann, of Philadelphia. He chose for his text the scripture passage: “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.” The text, he said, might at first sight seem a strange one in view of the magnificent example of doing which this new and noble edifice presented, but it was for that very reason he thought the text appropriate. “Rejoice in the Lord: again I say rejoice.” These words it seemed to him were most fitting to the present circumstances, for today was the crowning and dedicating of fifteen years of labor and self sacrifice for the glory of God and the honor and dignity of his chosen church. It was truly a magnificent gift, and was significant of a generous and devoted spirit on the part of the congregation, as well as an illustration of the faithful labors of the worthy, energetic and indefatigable Father Rogers, the best years of whose life may be said to have been built into these walls. Truly he had spent and not spared himself. God had inspired and sustained him in all these labors and had inspired the congregation also in carrying on the great work until its glorious culmination had been reached—the dedication of all to the glory of God and the honor of the Catholic faith. The speaker glanced briefly at the history of Catholicism in Stamford, referring to the remarkable contrast between the grand ceremonial of today and the first feeble beginnings of the church in this place scarcely more than forty years ago. Then a priest from New Rochelle paid occasional visits to the few struggling Catholics in Stamford. The church grew in numbers and strength year by year, under the care of Fathers Brady, Reynolds, Cooney and O’Neil, in regular succession until 1868, when Father Fagan came to make his pastorate forever memorable, and his name honored as long as the building should stand by originating in the year 1870 the great enterprise which this day, with pride and joy, we dedicate to the service of Almighty God.”

AMEN – Fr. Terry Walsh

“AMEN” is a Hebrew word that expresses “faith”, “it is true”, “it is so.” When we bless ourselves, we express our faith in the One God Who is Three Persons: “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.” We profess our belief in our relationship with God with our AMEN after praying the ‘Our Father’. And of course, we express our belief in the real and true presence of Jesus Christ made present in the Mass – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – with the “Great Amen.” Indeed we profess our faith in this reality with great conviction when the priest holds the Blessed Sacrament in front of us and proclaims “The Body of Christ”. “AMEN” – “I believe”.
Faith itself is a Gift. It begins as a seed in our soul – infused at our Baptism. Then, it’s up to each of us to respond to the graces our Lord offers us through the Sacraments. These encounters with Christ enable the seed to grow into a strong and vibrant Branch on the Vine, Who is Christ (Jn 15). Of course, a healthy prayer life nurtures our relationship with God Who speaks in our soul and leads us into closer union with Him. Indeed, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (see Romans – from within us – that we may grow ever closer to God. Our Gift of Faith needs nourishment and care.
Many reject Jesus – they simply choose not to believe. Perhaps they lacked that childlike humility that Jesus says is necessary – that childlike Trust in God. Many rejected the truth of His words when He said that His Flesh is Real Food and His Blood Real Drink. It was “Too hard” for them. Their hearts and their minds were closed to the Truth. That must have been a sad day for our Lord. He became man out of love for us and when He explains to the many disciples who had been following Him how they are enter into His Divine Life – by “eating His Flesh and drinking His Blood” – He is rejected. It hurts. Clearly it is a painful moment. And then, turning to the Apostles, he puts the question to them. But they believe. They may lack ‘perfect understanding’, but they do believe in Him. Indeed, they will prove their faith through the ultimate witness of Martyrdom. On the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica, Christ Triumphant is standing in the Center and He is flanked on either side by the Apostles, each one holding the instrument by which he was martyred – martyred for their “AMEN”. Their belief in Jesus, like ours, began like a seed. And as they received Grace, each seed grew strong, breaking through the surface, blossoming in the Light of Christ and bearing much fruit. They grew in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. It began with their Amen and it grew by faithfully following the teachings of the Master, who has “the words of everlasting life.”
We likewise profess our belief in God each Sunday in the Creed just after the Liturgy of the Word and just before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Catechism teaches us (#1064): “To believe is to say ‘AMEN’ to God’s words, promises and commandments; to entrust oneself completely to him who is the ‘Amen’ of infinite love and perfect faithfulness. The Christian’s everyday life will then be the ‘Amen’ to the ‘I believe’ of our baptismal profession of faith.” St. Augustine put it this way, “May your Creed be for you as a mirror. Look at yourself in it, to see if you believe everything you say you believe. And rejoice in your faith each day.”