Pastor’s Corner. . . CORRECTION: There is a serious mistake that I made on the website [which has been corrected] and in my pulpit announcement last weekend, and in this month’s number of The Eagle, which I correct now. The parishioners who created our magnificent scaffolding inside the Basilica are the O’Farrell Family, and their company is Colgate Scaffold. They are renowned in the Tri-State area for their superb and reliable work, with such important examples as their past efforts at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, The Supreme Court at Centre Street and other important projects in Manhattan, and which is amply demonstrated by their superb work just completed here at Saint John’s. I apologize for my error, and re-iterate my thanks to Michael O’Farrell who daily stopped by to oversee his expert workmen, as well as my thanks for such a magnificent job as we begin to restore our Basilica. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Saint John’s has a new organist and choir master: Mr. Christopher Mueller [pronounced Miller], who comes to us from the Church of Notre Dame in New York City, where he served as director of music since 1999 and for the Columbia University Catholic Ministry. He is a published composer as well, having authored hundreds of Catholic liturgical works, including settings of the Sunday Responses and numerous motets. His recent congregational mass setting was written using the new English translations of the Mass, Missa pro editione tertia, and has been purchased by parishes all over the English-speaking world, and will be featured at the Church Music Association of America’s Sacred Music Coloquium this summer in Salt Lake City. For more information about Chris and his accomplishments and expertise, please check the website, www.benesonarium.com

Mr. Mueller also sings in the sacred medieval men’s trio, Trio Triumvirum; performs as a jazz pianist in his instrumental quartet, Grand Central, and has worked as an off-broadway musical theater director, as a dance accompanist for the Alvin Ailey School and the Neubert Ballet School in Carnegie Hall, and as a vocal coach.

Since 2005, Chris has also served as the Coordinator of Marriage Preparation Programs [Pre-Cana] for the Archdiocese of New York, in which capacity he served nearly 3,500 engaged couples yearly, and taught marriage preparation classes with his wife throughout the Archdiocese.

Chris, his wife and children are no strangers to Saint John’s. Chris has directed the choir for the solemn profession for the Sisters of Life here at St. John’s. His wife and children have been actively involved in the Basilica’s Saint Anne’s Homeschooling Group, and at the Tuesday morning Moms and Tots gatherings.

We are delighted that Chris has joined our staff here at the Basilica, and look forward to restoring our music program. As we all know, the Mass is a true sacrifice as a memorial of Our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross, as the Church has always taught, most recently in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The Eucharist is a memorial in the sense that it makes present and actual the sacrifice which Christ offered to the Father on the cross, once and for all on behalf of mankind. The sacrificial character of the Holy Eucharist is manifested in the very words of institution, ‘This is my body which is given for you’ and ‘This cup is the New Covenant in my Blood that will be shed for you’ [Luke 22: 19-22]. The sacrifice of the cross and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one and the same sacrifice. The priest and the victim are the same [Christ]; only the manner of offering is different: in a bloody manner on the cross, in an unbloody manner in the Eucharist.” [Catechism of the Catholic Church, 280].
We, too, offer something along with Our Lord, as St. Paul wrote, whether it be our prayers or our sufferings, joining them to His cross. This is the reason Saint John’s has a paid choir: to offer beauty to God as our part of His Sacrifice of the Mass. To be able to offer God only the best and most beautiful music we can, which also lifts our souls and minds to Him, is worth the cost. We welcome Chris and the return of the choir, and look forward to Holy Week, when the work is completed, and we make our offering to God by providing the beauty of the John Canning Studios’ art work, made possible by the generous sacrifices of our parishioners, and beautiful music. For those who come to visit the Basilica, the beauty of the interior and the music can lead them to God, who is the source of all that is Good, True and Beautiful; to us who are parishioners, it is our gift to God, as well as our statement of thanks to Him who loves us so much He sent His only Son for us. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Marie Michele Louis, Norma Johnson, Marie Boursiquot, Bridget Sheehy, Herman Schneider, Chris Seely, Frank Monaghan, Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Sandra Mayfield, Lily Ann O’Connell.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Viergina Toussaint, George Muro, Ann Rich, Lena Chiappetta, Rosina Raiteri, Felicia Stramandinoli, Duverney Caporal, Terrence Cooke, Charles Harman, Bill Wiles, Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna.

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Nagle Hall. Next Holy Hour:, February 6th at 7:30 p.m. Monday downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Hall.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Will next meet on the Wednesday in March: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, to read the works of St. Theodoret of Cyr. All the readings are in English translation; all welcome.

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

New Study Group. . . Some people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. The Beginner Latin class meets every Wednesday: 6:30-7:30 pm; The Beginner Greek class meets every Thursday: 6:30-7:30 pm, both meet in the rectory. As always, there is no charge for these courses.

Repainting the Church. . . $588,078.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. We ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month: $25. per week: $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, lend a hand.

DAILY MASSES & CONFESSIONS
Until March 31st
All 8 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. Masses and Confessions Monday—Saturday
will be offered in the downstairs Parish Hall.
THE UPPER CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED ALL WEEK, reopening only for Saturday 3 pm Confessions and 4 pm Mass, and the usual Sunday Masses and Confessions. All Funerals will be in the parish hall until Easter.
Please Use the Rectory Walkway Blue Doors to Enter and Leave the Nagle Hall.

*NEW* Francis & Clare High School Youth Group…..Faith. Adventure. Community. That’s what you’ll find at the new post-Confirmation coed High School Youth Group. Join us for our kick-off event Sunday Jan 29th 6-8pm! Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Sunday each month. Find the group “Francis and Clare Youth Group” on Facebook or email Deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com for more info.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR. . . Saturday, May 5th, 4:00-7:30 pm: Kentucky Derby: This will be our primary fundraising event of the season, and all are invited to enjoy a live television feed of the Derby, post time at 6:24 pm. Betting & prizes, live auction, live jazz band, superb food provided some of the best local restaurants, including Columbus Park Trattoria, and excellent local food shops, including mountains of fresh lobster, crab, oysters, clams and shrimp from Grade A ShopRite, wines, mint juleps and soft drinks as well. Come join us for a great evening. All proceeds remain here at the Basilica.

January 29, 2012 $ 12,701.47
January 30, 2011 $ 12,212.16
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

February 12th Sunday Readings: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; 1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Mk 1:40-45.

Reminder: ASH WEDNESDAY: February 22nd is the beginning of Lent. The usual Mass schedule will be followed: 8 am Mass in the Monsignor Nagle Hall; 12:10 pm Mass IN THE BASILICA. Ashes will be offered beginning at 7 a.m. for those who cannot attend Mass, during both Masses, and at the Basilica office door all day until 7:30 pm. Ash Wednesday IS NOT A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION. The rules of fasting and abstinence both apply on Ash Wednesday: those aged 14-60 years old, unless ill, suffering from a medical condition, no meat is to be eaten, and only one full meal, and NO snacking between meals. This is a simple way to begin actually doing penance for our sins, to make a small sacrifice in what we eat.

Lenten Confessions. . . Each Tuesday evening during Lent, 7:00-9:00 pm in the parish hall.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: February 9th in the Rectory

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

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

St. Gabriel Church—First Saturday Devotions. . . Saint Gabriel Parish will celebrate the First Saturday Devotions in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  On the First Saturday of each month Confessions will be heard from 9:30 to 10 AM, followed by Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, Rosary and Benediction.  All are welcome.

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: Monday, February 27th.

Mardi Gras. . .Sacred Heart, Schuyler Ave., Stamford: Saturday Feb 18th: 7-10:30 pm: join us for DJ entertainment, and a great dinner of pasta fagioli, wings, meatballs, sausage & peppers, coffee, dessert, beer & wine. RSVP: by Feb 16th: Barbara Cerulli: 203-348-1268 or Marie Loiseau: 203-355-3711. Join us for fun!

Sunday, April 29th. . . HOLY ROOTS!, a discussion about the religious foundations of Stamford: 1641-1876, at the Stamford Historical Society: 2-5 pm. Speakers: Msgr. DiGiovanni, Mr. John Allen [Congregational] and Rev. James Wheeler [Episcopal]. Cost: $15. per person; $5 students, payable to Stamford Historical Society. Please mail check to Stamford Historical Society, 1598 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06903-4107.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. . . February 11th: World Day of Prayer for the Sick: a special Mass and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be hosted by the Knights of Malta at Saint Aloysius Church in New Canaan at 3:00 pm. All are welcome to join us.
For information: Please contact
Betty Flynn: 203-966-1959 or ebtgf@optonline.net or
Hope Carter: 203-966-5186 or granny1@ix.netcom.com

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, February 4, 2012
4:00+Members DeRosa, Capobianco & Kronk Families and Edwin Clark req. Joan and John Kronk
Sunday, February 5, 2012
7:30+Alexander Munro 34th Anniversary req. Munro and DeVivo Families
8:30+Achille Lamontagne req. Lloydie Lamontagne
10:00 UPPER CHURCH +Giuseppina Docimo req. Carpanzano Family
10:00 NAGLE HALL +Rosina Raiteri req. Priests of the Parish
12:00+Rosanne Fazio req. her Uncle Frank D’Amico
6:00+Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, February 6, 2012
8:00 People of the Parish
12:10+George Terenzio req. Mary Jean DalMolin
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
8:00+Joseph W. Callahan req. daughter Maryella Callahan
12:10+Elionise Simon req. Anne Jean-Rene
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
8:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Ida Carpanzano
12:10+Catherine B. Pullen req. the family
Thursday, February 9, 2012
8:00+Robert Cogan req. Tom Timon
12:10 Special Intentions Rina Scafidi
Friday, February 10, 2012
8:00+Natale Sposato req. Mossa Family
12:10 Thanksgiving and Special Intentions John Kung req. Joseph and Agnes Kung
Saturday, February 11, 2012
8:00+Eleanor Chidsey req. John J. Chidsey
12:10+John O’Hara Sr. and son John req. Stephanie O’Hara

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

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Coffee Hour. . . NO coffee hour until the church painting is completed.

St. John’s in THE ADVOCATE:
145 years ago, or so:
February 5, 1869: The Catholic Fair. “The following list comprises some of the more prominent prizes drawn at the Fair held by the ladies of St. John’s Catholic Church, with the names of those who were entitled to them: One ton of coal, donated by Messrs. Scofield & Co., was drawn by Eugene Drew; a barrel of flour, by Patrick Moran; a marble top table, by P. McNamara; an ice pitcher, by Thomas Ferry Potter, of Greenwich; one ton of coal, donated by Wm. D. Smith, Esq., by Wm. Derbyshire; revolver, by S.G. Silliman; altar vestments by Rev. John Fagan; picture of Father O’Neil, by Henry T. Smith, of New Hartford, Conn.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: The photograph of the Rev. James O’Neil, pastor of St. John’s from 1861 to 1868, was graciously given back to St. John’s Parish by the Great-Grandson of Henry T. Smith, during the pastorate of Rev. Msgr. William A. Nagle. It is the only known photo of Father O’Neil and currently hangs in St. John’s Rectory.)

135 years ago, or so:
February 9, 1877: “The pupils of St. John’s R.C. school give an exhibition in the town hall Tuesday evening, February 13. The program includes vocal and instrumental music, comedy, etc. Judging from the success of the last public entertainment given by the school, it is safe to predict a full house for next Tuesday evening.”

February 8, 1878: Death of Pope Pius IX. “A dispatch received yesterday afternoon announced the death of Pope Pius IX, at 4:57 Wednesday afternoon. This event has long been expected, as the Pope has been rapidly failing for several months past.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: The parish of St. John the Evangelist was formed during the reign of Pope Pius IX.)

95 years ago, or so:
February 9, 1917: RED CROSS STAMPS SUPPORT A NURSE. ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS CAMPAIGN GOES ON. “The Red Cross Christmas Seal Committee held a final meeting at the Visiting Nurse Association offices, and listened with much interest to the report of its chairman, Mrs. E. D. Smith The ambition to double last year’s sales has been more than realized. Among the sales reported was in St. John’s Catholic Church, where 6,152 tickets were sold and the parochial school sold 2,385. Father O’Brien and Sister Evangelist endorsed the sale very heartily, and the parish made an additional contribution to the Anti-Tuberculosis work of $66.56..”

The Call to Discipleship
- Fr Terry Walsh

In these early weeks of Ordinary Time in the Liturgical Year we have been hearing about the beginning of our Lord’s Ministry from the Gospel of Mark. Jesus has invited the Apostles to share in the work of Redemption; indeed, it is the duty and the privilege of all the baptized to share in ‘Building up the Kingdom.” I wonder what would be going through Jesus’ mind as He approached the busting activity of the diligent fishermen – Peter and Andrew, James and John – who were seeking to haul in a great catch (Mk 1:16). Might he have had a particular eagerness, a purposefulness to His step? John the Baptist, martyred out of love for Him, fulfilled his mission and now Jesus’ burning desire to proclaim the Good News would at long last finally begin – His love was on fire – he was pumped up and eager to announce the Good News of Salvation– it was the whole purpose for his becoming man and the moment had arrived – ‘that moment toward which all time and history, all human and divine longing have been directed’ – it’s here – finally. You can see it in His step. What’s more – he’s about to invite those he loves to share in His Mission. As He gets closer to the chatter of the men giving orders to each other in their boats, perhaps his smile unveils His excitement – He can’t contain it. He’s eager to get started….

Meanwhile, the typical busyness of the day occupies the attention of the fishermen as the sun rises higher in the sky and the gulls begin to gather in greater number to feast – the fish are cleaned as they are gathered. These hardworking fishermen hope for a slightly bigger catch in the next wave. Their thoughts quite naturally are focused on meeting their quota in order to support their families and pay their taxes – along with the other general cares and concerns of the day. Perhaps, their thoughts drift off to the future – maybe next year they’ll be able to add a boat, or at least hire another worker or two. Their restless concerns occupy their minds. Looking up from their nets, they see Him. As He approaches, they’re curious. He meets them. He invites them: Follow Me! Jesus is inviting each one of us – today- right now- to follow Him - to be aware of the purpose of our existence – to come to know Him and grow in a deeply personal relationship with Him – and through that intimate relationship, to draw others to Him – to “Cast into the Deep.” Consider the response of the first Apostles. There was no hesitation. Peter, Andrew, James, and John left everything immediately and followed Him. For them, it wasn’t simply a matter of “coming after” Jesus; rather, it was much more profound. It was a matter of imitating him, casting aside anything that hindered their fidelity and their growth in virtue.

Just as they had gutted and cleaned the fish, digging out and tearing away all the useless parts for the sea gulls, leaving only the lean, nutritious piece ready to be consumed – so too they scraped away whatever hindered them from preaching the Word of God and being active participants in the mission entrusted to them. Likewise, the leaner we are, spiritually speaking, the more faithfully we can focus on growing in virtue and responding to the Grace Jesus seeks to pour into our hearts in order to accomplish His work. Just as Jesus revealed His Kingdom to the Apostles and gave them a share in his mission and his suffering, so too, does he offer it to us. We’re called to an intimate communion with God. Trust Him – he will nourish you – through his grace – especially in the Eucharist – received in the State of Grace.
“I am the living bread which came down from Heaven; if anyone

Pastor’s Corner. . . February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, also known as Candlemas. The celebration recalls the historical event when, in obedience to the precepts of the Law of Moses (Exodus 13:1-3; Leviticus 12:1-8) the Blessed Mother presented her first born son in the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after His birth. It also recalls the mystical fact that Christ is the final sacrifice who brings about the salvation of the world, and that He comes to us daily in every Catholic Church where Mass is celebrated and the Eucharist received.

The earliest record of this celebration comes from the 5th century, as recorded by a Spanish lady named Egedia in her Diary of a “Pilgrimage to the Holy Land.” The Mass celebrated in Jerusalem recalled the historical presentation of Jesus in the Temple, while the procession with lighted candles, referred to the mystical reality of who this Child is, and what His life and death would mean for the history and salvation of the world. By the 5th century it was already a very developed ceremony, as described by Egeria, which suggests that the ceremony was already an ancient one in Jerusalem by the time of Egeria’s visit. It is an ancient celebration by the early Church because the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple—Candlemas—speaks of the deepest reality of Christ, which is the basis of our ancient Catholic Faith and His Church.

Throughout the Old Testament, all the prophets spoke of the coming of the Savior. And as Jesus was presented in the Temple, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke 2: 21-40, two further prophecies are fulfilled: that of Simeon, who had been promised by God not to see death until he had first seen the Savior; and that of Anna, the prophetess, who recognized the Savior as the incarnation of the generous God. The Blessed Mother presented Her Son, not simply to observe the Old Law of Moses, but to prefigure the work of Jesus by joining Jesus’ sacrifice to the prophetic words and sacrifices of the Old Law of Israel. She presents Jesus to the Eternal Father, who will accept the sacrifice of His Son on the Cross to pay for human sin. This feast day is the link between Christmas—God becoming man in the flesh—and Good Friday/Easter—the Son of God dying in the flesh as the ultimate payment for human sin, to rescue us from death. The reason why the Eternal Son, Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity, took on human flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mother, was in order to offer on the Cross the humanity that was intimately joined to His divinity in the womb of the Virgin Mary as the ultimate sacrifice, to pay for the sins of the world. He took our punishment for our wrongs. And He could do this because Jesus is both God and man. If Christ had not taught anything, had He not healed or fed anyone, if He had done nothing other than offer Himself on the Cross, then His work would have been perfect. Yet, in the generosity of the Father, Christ’s work also included His deeper revelation of the identity of God, and how we should respond to Him in our daily lives.

On February 2nd, then, the Church blesses candles in honor of this historical and mystical event and reality. All candles used during the year in church are blessed on February 2nd, as well as candles for the faithful to bring home. Each candle represents Christ, whose light illumines the world with the Truth about God and about mankind. The candle is also a sign of our faith in Christ, shining in the darkness and sin of the world. We are to imitate Christ in His obedience and love for the Father, and imitate Our Lady in her humility, obeying the Law of God by co-operating with the loving plan of God by which she conceived in her womb by the power of the Holy Spirit, and then further expressed her obedience to God’s will by presenting Her Son in the Temple: the sacrifice God Himself provided for our salvation. We are to imitate Mary and Her son in our lives of virtue. Our Lord told His Apostles, “You are the light of the world.” The candles blessed today represent Christ in our daily lives. We should let Christ shine to the world by means of our lives of virtue and holiness; especially by our charity and mutual forgiveness, striving to please God by our daily deeds.

The custom has arisen through the centuries of blessing throats on Saint Blaise day on February 3rd. St. Blaise, a Catholic bishop, saved a child from choking while both were imprisoned because of their Catholic faith, during a persecution in the 4th century. He is the saint to pray for healing of ailments of the throat. We bless throats using two candles blessed on February 2nd–they represent Christ–and the candles are held to form a Cross, and placed on the throat of the person being blessed. The prayer recited by the priest is “Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may you be delivered from all diseases of the throat and from every other evil, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” It is the power of Christ and His Cross, by the intercession of Saint Blaise, that is invoked to heal us from the evil of illness on February 3rd. But, Saint Blaise does exactly what all the saints do: they pray for us daily in Heaven before the throne of God, for both they and we are members of the One Church founded by Our Lord, called Catholic since the end of the 1st century. There is something so very good that we share with the Saints, the Blessed Mother: it begins with a shared faith and shared sacraments, and matures to a shared love for God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—who share their lives with us through the Church.
—Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Marie Boursiquot, Bridget Sheehy, Herman Schneider, Chris Seely, Frank Monaghan, Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Sandra Mayfield, Lily Ann O’Connell.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Ann Rich, Lena Chiappetta, Rosina Raiteri, Felicia Stramandinoli, Duverney Caporal, Terrence Cooke, Charles Harman, Bill Wiles, Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna.

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Nagle Hall. Next Holy Hour:, January 30th at 7:30 p.m. Monday downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Hall.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Will next meet on the Wednesday in March: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, to read the works of St. Theodoret of Cyr. All the readings are in English translation; all welcome.

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

New Study Group. . . Some people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. So, let’s try it again!! Anyone interested, please call Cindy in the parish office [203-324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name, phone, email. As always, there is no charge for these courses.

Biblical Greek Study Group. . .Thursdays: 6:30 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

NEW Choir Master & Organist. . . We welcome Chris Mueller to the Basilica, who will begin on February 5th. Chris has been choir director at Notre Dame Parish in Manhattan for the previous 14 years. Please welcome Chris and his family during the next weeks.

Repainting the Church. . . $613,128.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. We ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month: $25. per week: $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, lend a hand.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . Next meeting is this Sunday, January 29th after the 10AM Mass.

DAILY MASSES & CONFESSIONS
Until March 31st
All 8 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. Masses and Confessions Monday—Saturday
will be offered in the downstairs Parish Hall.
THE UPPER CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED ALL WEEK, reopening only for Saturday 3 pm Confessions and 4 pm Mass, and the usual Sunday Masses and Confessions. All Funerals will be in the parish hall until Easter.
Please Use the Rectory Walkway Blue Doors to Enter and Leave the Nagle Hall

*NEW* Francis & Clare High School Youth Group…..Faith. Adventure. Community. That’s what you’ll find at the new post-Confirmation coed High School Youth Group. Join us for our kick-off event Sunday Jan 29th 6-8pm! Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Sunday each month. Find the group “Francis and Clare Youth Group” on Facebook or email deirdre.garrahan@gmail.com for more info.

January 22, 2012 $ 12,124.80
January 23, 2011 $ 11,886.86
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

February 5th Sunday Readings: Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39.

Latin Mass. . . On Tuesdays will be CANCELLED until April due to the church painting.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: February 9th in the Rectory

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

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

St. Gabriel Church—First Saturday Devotions. . . Saint Gabriel Parish will celebrate the First Saturday Devotions in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  On the First Saturday of each month Confessions will be heard from 9:30 to 10 AM, followed by Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, Rosary and Benediction.  All are welcome.

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: Monday, February 27th.

Trinity Catholic Middle School. . . is holding an Open House this Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in our building at 948 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. (Snow date is Thursday, February 2) The school is located on the same campus as Trinity Catholic High School. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the Administration and Teachers, tour the facility, learn about the curriculum and have all of your questions answered. Parents and students interested in a challenging academic program in a faith based school are encouraged to attend.

Trinity Catholic High School. . . School Parents are welcome to visit Trinity Catholic High School during Catholic Schools Week. Stop by any time this Tuesday morning, January 31st from 8:30 to 10:30. COME TAKE A LOOK TUESDAY. Come see Trinity in action…observe classes in session. Trinity welcomes freshmen as well as transfer students. For information, call 203-322-3401 x 16, or email: admissions@trinitycatholic.org.

Mardi Gras. . .Sacred Heart, Schuyler Ave., Stamford: Saturday Feb 18th: 7-10:30 pm: join us for DJ entertainment, and a great dinner of pasta fagioli, wings, meatballs, sausage & peppers, coffee, dessert, beer & wine. RSVP: by Feb 16th: Barbara Cerulli: 203-348-1268 or Marie Loiseau: 203-355-3711. Join us for fun!

Sunday, April 29th. . . HOLY ROOTS!, a discussion about the religious foundations of Stamford: 1641-1876, at the Stamford Historical Society: 2-5 pm. Speakers: Msgr. DiGiovanni, Mr. John Allen [Congregational] and Rev. James Wheeler [Episcopal]. Cost: $15. per person; $5 students, payable to Stamford Historical Society. Please mail check to Stamford Historical Society, 1598 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06903-4107.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. . . February 11th: World Day of Prayer for the Sick: a special Mass and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be hosted by the Knights of Malta at Saint Aloysius Church in New Canaan at 3:00 pm. All are welcome to join us.
For information: Please contact:
Betty Flynn: 203-966-1959 or ebtgf@optonline.net or
Hope Carter: 203-966-5186 or granny1@ix.netcom.com

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, January 28, 2012
4:00 +James M. Duffy req. Duffy Family
Sunday, January 29, 2012
7:30 +Vincent DeVivo 54th Anniversary req. Munro-DeVivo Familes
8:30 Special Intentions Josephine Languedoc req. Diane Strain
10:00 +Jeanette Murphy req. Lilian and Alvina Ramos
12:00 +Mother Lillian Cairo, P.O.S.C. req. the Marchetti Family
5:00 +Marie Wenthen
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, January 30, 2012
8:00 +Mr. and Mrs. Beaublun req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10 +Valerie Sylander Birthday Remembrance req. Alison Tosches
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
8:00 +Elionise Simon req. Anne Jean-Rene
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
8:00 +Margaret Timon req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Netta Mecca req. Tom and Olga Kolenberg
Thursday, February 2, 2012
8:00 Lillian Janesch req. Cycon Family
12:10 +Jack Mahan req. Maude and Paul Hughes
Friday, February 3, 2012
8:00 Mary Coffey req. Cycon Family
12:10 +Arthur Thiel req. McAleer Family
Saturday, February 4, 2012
8:00 +Carmine Veneziano req. Judith Altmann
12:10 In Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary req. Ferry G.

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

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Coffee Hour. . . NO coffee hour until the church painting is completed.

St. John’s in THE ADVOCATE:
100 years ago, or so:
February 3, 1912: BLESSING THE THROATS. “The feast of St. Blaise was observed throughout the Catholic world today. In the local Catholic Churches it was marked by the special ceremony of the blessing of the throats of the faithful, in keeping with traditions of the early years of the Catholic Church. One story is told of St. Blaise relieving a lad who was choking to death with a fish bone caught in his throat. This is the most familiar, while there are many other legends depicting the prisoner as a humane and able practitioner. He was beheaded. The Catholic church in the east celebrates the feast at a later date than the Roman Catholic church, which has set apart Feb. 3 as the particular date for the feast of St. Blaise.”

50 years ago, or so:
February 2, 1962: Four Teams Out Of CYO Tourney In Initial Round. “Four teams were eliminated from the second-half single elimination tournament in the High School Division of the CYO Basketball League. First-half champion St. John’s of Noroton trounced St. Mary’s 68-28, as Mike Galaba tossed in 28 points and John Brosnan added 16. Runner-up St. Leo eliminated St. Clement’s, 42-20, as Larry O’Connell chalked up 15 tallies. St. John’s of Stamford advanced by whipping Sacred Heart in a 41-23 contest. Charlie Bittman hit 14 for the winners, while Dan DiVito netted the same for Sacred Heart.”

10 years ago, or so:
January 28, 2001: Naming of new bishop lifts spirits. “When Bishop William E. Lori settles in as the new leader of the Diocese of Bridgeport, he will face a growing pile of work and a host of expectations. Lori, 49, an auxiliary bishop in Washington, D.C., was named to the post Tuesday, seven months after Edward M. Egan left to become arch-bishop of New York. Local Roman Catholic leaders and parishioners greeted Lori’s nomination with enthusiasm and anticipation. Monsignor Laurence Bronkiewicz has overseen the Bridgeport diocese since Egan left, but many church chores had to wait for the next bishop to arrive. It’s been sort of a drag since there are lots of things we want to begin,” said Monsignor Stephen DiGiovanni, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Stamford. “We can’t start any initiatives until the new boss comes. He’s going to have a lot of stuff waiting for him.” Lori will be the fourth bishop to oversee the more than 360,000 Catholics in the diocese.”

The Trials of Life in Christ
-Fr. Terry Walsh

Our “Spiritual Journey” from the moment of our being “grafted” onto the Body of Jesus Christ at Baptism is shrouded in love. The Vatican II document, Gaudium et Spes, states: “For man would not exist were he not created by God’s love and constantly preserved by it; and he cannot live fully according to truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and devotes himself to His Creator”(GS19). Each moment of our lives is an opportunity to grow in our devotion to God in our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Our Lord is present IN us (see John 14). He also walks BESIDE us. He walks with us every step of the Way – in joy and in sorrow – through abundant consolations as well as overwhelming desolations. He walks with us, if we let Him. We are His children.

How do we understand hardship and suffering? How do we reconcile the “trials of life” with our understanding of God who is Love? What role does suffering play in the lives of God’s children? When we look through the eyes of faith, we are able to understand that there are actually TWO stages of life. It is critically important that we have a clear perspective of this truth. The first stage is our very brief life here on earth. The Kingdom of God truly resides in the souls of all who are born of water and the Spirit and become branches on the Vine, that is, branches of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Yet, we are nonetheless subject to all sorts of trials in this 1st stage of life. Our Lord allows us to experience some measure of suffering and trial in order that we may prove our love, our fidelity, and our desire for God, who IS love. The 2nd stage, we hope, will be upon the Holy Mountain, the Heavenly Jerusalem, where all the trials of life will be over and the joy of complete union with God will fill us with a peace that is simply not of this world. Indeed, we may have that peace even now, in this 1st stage of life, which sustains us in the knowledge of His love. We hear this promise at every Holy Mass: “My peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (once again, see Gospel of John chapter 14). St Paul reminds us: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”(Romans, chapter 8).

We simply need to look to the Cross. There we see the Innocent Victim who suffered FOR us. Suffering is not a Good, it is clearly an Evil. Yet, God is able to draw good out of evil. Consider our Lord’s own suffering; His Passion and His Death. Jesus demonstrated His love for us when He became Incarnate in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He showed the depth of His love for us through His One Perfect Sacrifice. And the good? The Resurrection – the forgiveness of sins – everlasting Light, Happiness, and Peace. Salvation comes to us through the Cross. And yet, how often we run from the Cross rather than sit at the foot of it in prayer and ask for the graces we need – the grace to forgive or seek forgiveness; the grace to have the courage to bear up under the difficulties of this life; the grace of understanding with regard to various relationships we have; the grace to grow in wisdom and knowledge and piety so that we can become more and more like Christ.

The Cross is the Narrow Gate. Our Lord will help us carry it if we ask Him. We encounter the Cross in a 100 different forms each day. Some are little Crosses – others simply seem to crush us ‘like grapes in the winepress.’ Carry the little ones with love and see your spiritual strength, that is, the Power of God within you, grow more vibrant and spiritually mature. Then you will embrace the heavier Cross for love of Him who bore it for you. Every “trial” becomes an opportunity; every “yes, I will carry my Cross, with love” enables our “branches” to grow ever stronger and produce even more abundant fruit. And what is our “fruit”? The fruits of the Holy Spirit are borne through our cooperation with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that flow into our hearts most abundantly through the sacraments. In other words, when we cooperate with our Lord through our daily prayer, our faithfully receiving the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession, we will produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, indeed every virtue. Our Lord Himself encourages us: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit…He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing”(Jn 15). May we open our hearts and minds to the nearness of the Beloved and come to understand that even in the ‘trials of life’ we are actually bearing abundant fruits.

“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation…” – Psalm 27

Pastor’s Corner. . . January 26th is commonly a frigid, sometimes uneventful, grey winter’s day along Long Island Sound. In 1851, that day may have been a cold one, but it filled the hearts of Stamford Catholics with great joy and pride. For on that Sunday, after scrimping and saving; after having been maligned by neighbors, politicians and the press as enemies of the United States, loyal to a foreign prince, Pope Pius IX, our Catholic ancestors—founders of our parish—joined Bishop Bernard O’Reilly as he consecrated the first Catholic church of Saint John the Evangelist in Stamford. It was a very small building, compared to today’s Basilica, a one storey wood framed, clapboarded building measuring 40 X 60 feet. But it was ours. And it was in that first, tiny St. John’s where Stamford’s Catholics could be married, baptize their babies and watch them as they grew in the faith to receive their first Holy Communion and Confirmation; it was there the growing Catholic community could worship God as Our Lord commanded His Apostles: by offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, “Do this in memory of me”; and, where they could visit Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament; it was there they could bury their family members, and pray for those they loved; it was there they could ask assistance and guidance, and where they gave thanks for God’s daily blessings. It was Saint John’s. And, today as in 1851, our principal duty is to worship God. Before January 26th, the only nearby Catholic churches could be found in New York City, Bridgeport and New Haven. The end of January added two more churches to that list: St. John’s in Stamford, on January 26th, and St. Mary’s in Norwalk, on January 28th. The pastor of both places was Father John C. Brady, with a small residence on Cove Road. A “Letter to the Editor” appeared in The Boston Pilot a few days after the dedication in 1851: “A few years ago there was no cross erected to cheer the heart of a poor Irish emigrant coming from New York to New Haven, but now the emblem of salvation may be seen in every little village.”

To put this in perspective, in 1851, a Connecticut day laborer made about $1.50 per week, working 14-16 hour days. A donation to build the church was a huge act of faith and generosity on the part of the St. John’s parishioners, and they did it as their way to thank God for having brought them to Connecticut, to benefit their own families, and for those Catholics who would come after them in Stamford. And, as a tangible means to say to their antagonistic non-Catholic neighbors: Catholics make very good Americans, and we’re not going away.

As you can see in the original lithograph above, and in the 1867 map next to it, the church was located right next to the New Haven Railroad tracks, which ran on the road at that time. This was the only property the Catholics could afford, and upon which city officials would permit the building of a Catholic church, in an unhealthy area next to the tracks and near the old canal, known as “Little Dublin.” The church and original St. John’s Cemetery was on Meadow Street, and served as our parish church until we moved to Atlantic Street, and completed the lower church [today, Msgr. Nagle Hall] in 1875, and the present upper basilica in 1886.

On June 19, 1828, a Catholic gentleman in Ireland wrote his immigrant son Michael Walsh, living on Roxbury Road, “Mind your duty to God and your Master, which is the only way to forward you, here and hereafter”. The early Catholics in Stamford, as if the letter had been sent to each of them, did “mind their duty to God”, and built the first Saint John the Evangelist Church in Stamford. On January 26th, let’s say a prayer for those early Catholics, our fellow parishioners, who gave their all to God, because we, too, benefit from their faith and generosity that built our parish on January 26, 1851. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Marie Boursiquot, Bridget Sheehy, Herman Schneider, Chris Seely, Frank Monaghan, Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Sandra Mayfield, Lily Ann O’Connell, Titina Tarantino, Richard Ridge, Mario Stano, Mark Ferris, Marie Maddox, Stacey, Kathleen Nichols, Rev. Carlos Antonio Mesa, Corrie Evans, Shirly Mailhot, Roledonne Samedi.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Felicia Stramandinoli, Duverney Caporal, Terrence Cooke, Charles Harman, Bill Wiles, Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna, Brian Bill, Olga Rich, Morris Smith, Sr. Elizabeth Hart, R.S.M., Margaret Mary Cycon, Mildred J. Fiore, Tana Sibilio, Dr. Bela Szele, Audrey Reda, Helen Pataky, William Kilcoyne, Jr., Giuseppina Docimo, Adelaide Velanzano, Aura Piedra, Jeanne & Andy Robustelli, Mary Ferrara, Genoveffa Melchionno, Cynthia Callahan, Teresa Angelini, Natale Sposato, Joseph George Terenzio.

Church in Latin America Collection . . . Please drop your special Church in Latin America envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory.

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Nagle Hall. Next Holy Hour:, January 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Monday downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Hall.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in the rectory. Our guest lecturer for January is Father Michael Novajoski, offering lectures and readings by Origen, one of the most influential 3rd century theologians. All are welcome: just walk in the rectory front door. All the readings are in English translation.

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

New Study Group. . . Some people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. So, let’s try it again!! Anyone interested, please call Cindy in the parish office [203-324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name, phone, email. As always, there is no charge for these courses.

Biblical Greek Study Group. . .Thursdays: 6:30 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Repainting the Church. . . $612,028.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. We ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month: $25. per week: $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, help us.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . Next meeting is this Sunday, January 22nd after the Noon Mass.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . Next meeting is next Sunday, January 29th after the 10AM Mass.

DAILY MASSES & CONFESSIONS
Until March 31st
All 8 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. Masses and Confessions Monday—Saturday
will be offered in the downstairs Parish Hall.
THE UPPER CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED ALL WEEK, reopening only for Saturday 3 pm Confessions and 4 pm Mass, and the usual Sunday Masses and Confessions. All Funerals will be in the parish hall until Easter.
Please Use the Rectory Walkway Blue Doors to Enter and Leave the Nagle Hall

January 15, 2012 $ 10,720.84
January 16, 2011 $ 11,181.35
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

January 29th Sunday Readings: Dt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1:21-28.

Latin Mass. . . On Tuesdays will be CANCELLED until April due to the church painting.

Children’s Choir. . . Anmarie and Tom Galgano are our music directors for the 10 a.m. Mass and Children’s Choir this year. Any parent whose child or children might be interested in joining the Children’s Choir to sing during each Sunday 10 a.m. Mass, please call the rectory, and leave your name, your child’s name, age and your phone number with Cindy: 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: February 9th in the Rectory

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

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

St. Gabriel Church—First Saturday Devotions. . . Saint Gabriel Parish will celebrate the First Saturday Devotions in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  On the First Saturday of each month Confessions will be heard from 9:30 to 10 AM, followed by Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, Rosary and Benediction.  All are welcome.

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: This Monday, January 23rd.

Trinity Catholic Middle School. . . is holding an Open House on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in our building at 948 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. (Snow date is Thursday, February 2) The school is located on the same campus as Trinity Catholic High School. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the Administration and Teachers, tour the facility, learn about the curriculum and have all of your questions answered. Parents and students interested in a challenging academic program in a faith based school are encouraged to attend.

Trinity Catholic High School. . . School Parents are welcome to visit Trinity Catholic High School during Catholic Schools Week. Stop by any time Tuesday morning, January 31st from 8:30 to 10:30. COME TAKE A LOOK TUESDAY. Come see Trinity in action…observe classes in session. Trinity welcomes freshmen as well as transfer students. For information, call 203-322-3401 x 16, or email: admissions@trinitycatholic.org.

Mardi Gras. . .Sacred Heart, Schuyler Ave., Stamford: Saturday Feb 18th: 7-10:30 pm: join us for DJ entertainment, and a great dinner of pasta fagioli, wings, meatballs, sausage & peppers, coffee, dessert, beer & wine. RSVP: by Feb 16th: Barbara Cerulli: 203-348-1268 or Marie Loiseau: 203-355-3711. Join us for fun!

April 29th. . . HOLY ROOTS!, a discussion about the religious foundations of Stamford: 1641-1876, at the Stamford Historical Society: 2-5 pm. Speakers: Msgr. DiGiovanni, Rev Jane Anne Groom [Congregational] and Rev. James Wheeler [Episcopal]. Cost: $15. per person; $5 students, payable to Stamford Historical Society. Please mail check to Stamford Historical Society, 1598 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06903-4107.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, January 21, 2012
4:00 +Francis Cronin req. Alison Tosches
Sunday, January 22, 2012
7:30 +Adeline Grieco req. Christine Carey
8:30 Special Intentions Marion Morris req. Diane Strain
10:00 +Jeanne Robustelli req. Dick and Chris McRedmond
12:00 +Catherine Morris 28th Anniversary req. her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren
5:00 +Marie Wenthen
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, January 23, 2012
8:00 +Shirley M. Ebert req. John and Eileen Tarleton
12:10 +Elionise Simon req. Anne Jean-Rene
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
8:00 +Eileen Carr req. Marie Carr
12:10 +Betsy Woolf req. Fabiola C.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
8:00 +John Vitti req. Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Ingram
12:10 +Maryann Cohan req. Rizzo Family
Thursday, January 26, 2012
8:00 +Catherine Pascale req. John and Laura Pascale
12:10 +George Terenzio req. Thomas Cycon
Friday, January 27, 2012
8:00 +John Rowland req. Lou Lambiase and Family
12:10 +George Terenzio req. Lisa and Darrell Ingram
Saturday, January 28, 2012
8:00 +Gjin Tushaj req. Pat and Marie Cordon
12:10 +Natale Sposato req. Carpanzano Family

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

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Coffee Hour. . . NO coffee hour until the church painting is completed.

St. John’s in THE NEWS:
160 years ago, or so:

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
January 28, 1851: The Catholic Church. “This very neat edifice, which has been recently finished, on Meadow Street, in this village, was dedicated on Sunday last, by appropriate ceremonies. The services were conducted by the Right Rev. Bishop O’Riley, of Providence, R. I.”

The HARTFORD COURANT:
February 8, 1851: RELIGIOUS ITEMS. “The Roman Catholic Church at Norwalk, was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop O’Riley of Hartford, on Tuesday of last week. The Church at Stamford was also consecrated by the same Bishop on Sunday last.”

The BOSTON PILOT:
Feb. 3rd, 1851 : Connecticut, Stamford. “Mr. Editor: From a conviction of the interest which your truly Catholic paper has always taken in communicating through its columns the progress of our holy religion, I take pleasure in informing you of the dedication of our Church in Stamford, on Sunday, January the 26th, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop O’Riley. The morning was beautiful and it would appear that the cross shone with more than usual luster; from an early hour in the morning the hills and valleys were literally covered over with the sons and daughters of the emerald isle, whose hearts and souls were overflowing with joy that the time at length arrived when they had a church to be dedicated to the service of Almighty God. This church has been commenced and completed by the indefatigable zeal of our pious and exemplary pastor, Rev. John C. Brady, with the cooperation of the whole-souled Catholics of Stamford. The Church was dedicated to Almighty God under the patronage of St. John the Evangelist, after which confirmation was conferred on a considerable number, who were duly prepared by their Rev. Pastor; then High Mass was sung by the Pastor, and after the first gospel the Bishop ascended the platform and preached a very eloquent and persuasive sermon on the gospel of the day to a crowded congregation, many of whom were not of our religion, yet they were much delighted by the mild and charitable sermon. In the afternoon at vespers he preached one of the most powerful sermons we ever heard. So now, Mr. Editor, you must think that our holy religion is flourishing rapidly along the Sound. A few years ago there was no cross erected to cheer the heart of a poor Irish emigrant coming from New York to New Haven, but now the emblem of salvation may be seen in every little village. Yours truly, J. T. O’R.”

Prayer
-Fr. Terry Walsh

The Catechism (2726) cautions us about the nature of prayer – that it is fundamentally a relationship with God – speaking and listening: “Some people view prayer as a simple psychological activity, others as an effort of concentration to reach a mental void. Still others reduce prayer to ritual words and postures…” At first glance, it might seem that the Church is frowning upon prayers that are by nature, repetitive. Clearly, that is not the case. Rather, the Church cautions us as to the intention we hold in our hearts as we pray. Consider the beautiful devotion of the Holy Rosary. It is a devotion that focuses on 20 Mysteries of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each time we faithfully enter into these mysteries we grow in grace. By allowing the Mysteries to enter into us – into our hearts and minds – we become more aware of the Sacrificial love and the unparalleled humility of our Lord. When we truly enter into the devotion with our hearts lifted up to heaven, we will receive the graces we need to imitate our Lord. We will become like him. In the deeper regions of our hearts, He is there. And He helps us understand the beauty of the Incarnation, the joy of the Visitation, the new life of grace forged through his Nativity. Likewise, he teaches us about the cost of this life: the intensity of his suffering in the garden of Gethsemane and the pain of betrayal; the anguish of the Cross. We also meditate on the Glorious Mysteries that we are called to share – if we follow him. Meditating on the Mysteries of the Rosary helps us see the path more clearly.

Our prayer life will quite naturally grow in depth and character as we move along the road of spiritual maturity since our awareness of our particular vocation will naturally become clearer to us if we are making an effort to live it authentically and for the love of God. This of course comes about through many forms of prayer. In this example of the Rosary, the “repetitive nature” of the devotion is NOT a thoughtless repetition of the same words; rather, it is a pathway, a contemplative conduit of the words Jesus Himself gave to us – Our Father – and a humble consideration of what those words mean when we contemplate the Annunciation or the Baptism of our Lord, or the Agony of His Passion. It is a thoughtful consideration of the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, throughout His life. And, it’s the realization that we are indeed Her children and as such, are called to a life in imitation of Her Son. Through our Mother’s intercession, we will see the path more clearly. Every prayer we utter from the heart draws us closer to God. That faithful approach to the Rosary (or to the Devotion of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, or any other “repetitive” prayer) – with BOTH Heart and Mind lifted up – is far different than a simple “recitation” of “repetitive” words. In addition, as we grow more spiritually mature, the effects of our prayers will touch us more profoundly and move us to a greater love. We leave behind the simple desire for the “feel good” consolation and move to a deeper understanding of the real and true PRESENCE of God IN us. That’s not to say that we will not receive the “feel good” consolation – but – that it’s not the end nor is it the reason for our prayer. The end is God Himself and the reason is a greater love for Him, a greater understanding of His love for us, and a clearer vision of how we may become more like Him. Put yourself in our Lady’s Hands. She will lead you to Her Son. Recall the words of our Lord: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will”(Mk 11:24).

Pastor’s Corner. . . Tim Tebow and Demaryius Thomas! The news channels could not get enough of them by Monday night, following Tebow’s incredible 80 yard pass to Thomas, who carried the ball 62 yards to the Denver Broncos’ overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers: 29-23. Not bad.

While the “oohs” and “ahhs” ascended from all sides in admiration of these young men, there was another interesting point made in the media, and it basically ignored Thomas’ achievement, leaving him in the dust. It was the biblical passage from the Gospel of Saint John:

“And God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son,
that those who believe in Him may not perish, but may have life everlasting” [John 3:16].

Tebow often wears the biblical citation in white print on his eye black. What caught the attention of the media was the fact that, during the Broncos-Steelers game the other night, Tebow passed 316 yards during that game, an average of 31.6 yards per pass. Magic numbers!! Of course the media went wild: knowing nothing about authentic religion, authentic Christian faith, Our Lord the Gospel, the “coincidence” between Tebow’s performance on the field and his favorite Biblical quotation citation was altogether too much to be ignored. And criticism of the quarterback’s religious faith was repeated. How could such a talented and successful athlete believe in God AND show it in public? What an embarrassment.

The man is a believing Christian. Bill Maher and sports commentators have repeatedly criticized Tebow for his public Christian faith; Saturday Night Live even did a skit on the subject, mocking him and Jesus. One can see every commandment shattered on the T.V. screen and the movies, or described in any day’s newprint in lurid and appreciative detail, and no one bats an eye. Does anyone condemn those players for dancing in the end zone, or other antics off the field? Rarely, except when so criminal they cannot be overlooked. Yet, kneel down and say a prayer in public; dare to mention God seriously, and sneers arise from the enlightened opinion makers. The critics are vocal because they do not understand the nature of Christianity, which is not merely private, but very public, since it should form our daily actions; and because the reality of God is dangerous—it provokes and challenges the life we pursue. God intervening the human history in the flesh, is scary. The Prologue to John’s Gospel said it: “He was in the world, an the world was made through Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” [John 1: 10-11]. The media is doing what the world has done before Christ for two millennia. Just look at Tebow’s favorite quotation about God’s love. How did God show His love for the world? In private dreams? In secret notes to individual devotees? In private, hidden messages designed solely for the benefit of the recipient? No. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.” The eternal Son of God, the Creator of the universe—neither too private an individual nor too hidden an action, I might add—manifested His love for His Creation, including by becoming one of us. He was born in the relative privacy of poverty, but that anonymity quickly disappeared, to be visited by shepherds, Three Kings and the neighbors from the fields and surrounding towns; He made quite a name for Himself by preaching to thousands [and not simply discussing religion in the privacy of home]; He cured many, fed thousands, performed miracles, was publicly tried, tortured and executed, and then publicly showed Himself risen from the dead to tens of thousands after His Resurrection. Then, He instructed His Twelve Apostles, the foundation of His Church, to preach to all nations, baptizing in the name of the Trinity. Not very private and secret, if you ask me.

Religion as private? Not if it’s the True Religion established by Our Lord. There is little private about Christianity once the gift of faith is accepted by a person; since there was nothing private about the God who became a man in the Incarnation. Once the invisible God became visible, any privacy about belief in God was put to rest, for one’s faith, if authentic, forms one’s private and public life, because faith leads to active love for God. And because the essence of Christianity is to imitate Christ, not just have nice private thoughts about Him. We do love God in the deep recesses or our hearts, yes; but public witness to that faith in charity, mercy, and hope, in imitation of God, is of the essence. So, Mr. Tebow was simply doing what any Christian should do: show by his life that he believes in Christ. He does this more powerfully and dramatically than most, since God has given him such great gifts. But the gifts each of us receives is not just for ourselves: they are given by God that we might share them with others, so that others might see God working in us, and come closer to the Divine Giver of all that is good.

Saint Gregory Nazianzen wrote about that: our responsibility to use God’s gifts to lead others to God: “Nothing honors God more than the conversion and salvation of human persons. We are to be lamps lit in the world’s darkness, sharing in the splendid radiance of the light which is Christ, and ever more fully enlightened by the Trinity. All has been done by God so that you might become as other rays of Christ’s light, which is the life-giving power for others. Let yourself become perfect lights before that immense Light, Who is Christ. Join to yourself that most pure and clear light of the Trinity, of which you have now received only a single ray, coming from the One God, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory for all ages, Amen” [Sermon 39].

We may not all be so athletically able as Messrs. Tebow and Thomas. Yet, we are all called to imitate Our Lord, as a way to thank God for His blessings, and a way to lead others to Him. “All has been done by God so that you might become other rays of Christ’s light for others”, is what Saint Gregory wrote. So, let’s do it! Imitate Tebow, and give glory to God in your life that others might come closer to the Him who is the source of all that is good, true and beautiful, and who offers true happiness here and forever. Don’t worry about what the media or anyone thinks; worry about what God thinks, and strive to please Him in daily life.
—Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Marie Boursiquot, Bridget Sheehy, Herman Schneider, Chris Seely, Frank Monaghan, Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Sandra Mayfield, Lily Ann O’Connell, Titina Tarantino, Richard Ridge, Mario Stano, Mark Ferris, Marie Maddox, Stacey, Kathleen Nichols, Rev. Carlos Antonio Mesa, Corrie Evans, Shirly Mailhot, Roledonne Samedi.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Felicia Stramandinoli, Duverney Caporal, Terrence Cooke, Charles Harman, Bill Wiles, Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna, Brian Bill, Olga Rich, Morris Smith, Sr. Elizabeth Hart, R.S.M., Margaret Mary Cycon, Mildred J. Fiore, Tana Sibilio, Dr. Bela Szele, Audrey Reda, Helen Pataky, William Kilcoyne, Jr., Giuseppina Docimo, Adelaide Velanzano, Aura Piedra, Jeanne & Andy Robustelli, Mary Ferrara, Genoveffa Melchionno, Cynthia Callahan, Teresa Angelini, Natale Sposato, Joseph George Terenzio.

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

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Nagle Hall. Next Holy Hour:, January 16th at 7:30 p.m. Monday Evening Holy Hours will be downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Hall.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Has resumed Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in the rectory. Our guest lecturer for January will be Father Michael Novajoski, recently returned from Rome, who will offer lectures and readings by Origen, one of the most influential 3rd century theologians. All are welcome: just walk in the rectory front door. All the readings are in English.

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

New Study Group. . . Some people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. So, let’s try it again!! Anyone interested, please call Cindy in the parish office [203-324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name, phone, email. As always, there is no charge for these courses.

Biblical Greek Study Group. . .Thursdays: 6:30 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Repainting the Church. . . $610,528.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. I ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month, or $25. per week, or $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, help.

DAILY MASSES & CONFESSIONS
Until March 31st
All 8 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. Masses and Confessions Monday—Saturday
will be offered in the downstairs Parish Hall.
THE UPPER CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED ALL WEEK, reopening only for Saturday 3 pm Confessions and 4 pm Mass, and the usual Sunday Masses and Confessions. All Funerals will be in the parish hall until Easter.
Please Use the Rectory Walkway Blue Doors to Enter and Leave the Nagle Hall.

January 8, 2012 $ 12,393.09
January 9, 2011 $ 12,479.96
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

January 22nd Sunday Readings: Jon 3:1-5, 10; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20.

Latin Mass. . . On Tuesdays will be CANCELLED until April due to the church painting.

Children’s Choir. . . Anmarie and Tom Galgano are our music directors for the 10 a.m. Mass and Children’s Choir this year. Any parent whose child or children might be interested in joining the Children’s Choir to sing during each Sunday 10 a.m. Mass, please call the rectory, and leave your name, your child’s name, age and your phone number with Cindy: 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: February 9th in the Rectory

Project Rachel Ministry. . . offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. We invite you to come back to God who is love and mercy. Info. (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

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

St. Gabriel Church—First Saturday Devotions. . . Saint Gabriel Parish will celebrate the First Saturday Devotions in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  On the First Saturday of each month Confessions will be heard from 9:30 to 10 AM, followed by Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, Rosary and Benediction.  All are welcome.

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: Monday, January 23rd.

Trinity Catholic Middle School. . . is holding an Open House on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in our building at 948 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. (Snow date is Thursday, February 2) The school is located on the same campus as Trinity Catholic High School. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the Administration and Teachers, tour the facility, learn about the curriculum and have all of your questions answered. Parents and students interested in a challenging academic program in a faith based school are encouraged to attend.

Trinity Catholic High School. . . SchoolParents are welcome to visit Trinity Catholic High School during Catholic Schools Week. Stop by any time Tuesday morning, January 31st from 8:30 to 10:30. COME TAKE A LOOK TUESDAY. Come see Trinity in action…observe classes in session. Trinity welcomes freshmen as well as transfer students. For information, call 203-322-3401 x 16, or email: admissions@trinitycatholic.org.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . Next meeting January 22nd after the Noon Mass.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . Next meeting January 29th after the 10AM Mass.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, January 14, 2012
4:00 +Deceased Members of the DeRosa, Capobianco & Kronk Families and Edwin Clark req. Joan and John Kronk
Sunday, January 15, 2012
7:30 Souls in Purgatory req. Nelly Contreras
8:30 Special Intentions Diana Sadlon req. Mr. and Mrs. DeSoye
10:00+Christopher T. Harris, Jr. req. the Kazazes Family
12:00+Theresa Yao Kung req. Joseph and Agnes Kung
5:00+Marie Wenthen
6:00+Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, January 16, 2012
8:00 Souls in Purgatory
12:10 Special Intentions Maryella T. Callahan
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
8:00 In Thanksgiving req. Thang Nguyen
12:10+Regina Quigley req. John and Eileen Tarleton
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
8:00 +John Gallagher req. John and Eileen Tarleton
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Nelly Contreras
Thursday, January 19, 2012
8:00 +Edward Raska req. Vinnie and John Coniglio
12:10 +Maria Preziosi 19th Anniversary req. her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren
Friday, January 20, 2012
8:00 +George Terenzio req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Elionise Simon req. Anne Jean-Rene
Saturday, January 21, 2012
8:00 Special Intentions Christina Mueller req. Drina and Justin Mostecki
12:10 +George Terenzio req. Carpanzano Family

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Coffee Hour. . . NO coffee hour until the church painting is completed.

St. John’s in THE NEWS:
The CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC:135 years ago, or so:
January 18, 1879: Stamford. “The annual church report was read at High Mass, last Sunday, and was most favorable for the parish. The pastor exhorted his congregation to make extraordinary exertions during the coming year so that something may be done toward the completion of the church. Contributors to the building fund have the benefit of a monthly Mass as well as a requiem at the hour of death.”

The HARTFORD COURANT:
120 years ago, or so:
January 19, 1894: New Britain. “The Rev. Father Michael Tierney, senior priest of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in this city, received the official notification of his appointment as bishop of the Hartford diocese this afternoon at 3 o’clock. He at once went to Hartford to inform Vicar-General Hughes and assumed the duties of the office immediately.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The Rev. Michael Tierney was Pastor of St. John’s from 1874 to 1876.)

The NEW YORK TIMES:
85 years ago, or so:
January 16, 1928 : Stamford. “The Rev. James C. O’Brien, pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church here for twenty-seven years, died suddenly tonight of heart disease in the office of his physician, Dr. J. J. Cloonan. Father O’Brien celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday on Christmas Day and his fiftieth anniversary as a priest on Dec. 22. Father O’Brien was ordained a priest on Dec. 22, 1877. His first appointment was as curate in St. Patrick’s Church, Hartford.”

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
50 years ago, or so:
January 16, 1964 : Bishop Curtis Will Officiate At Scout Event. “The 11th annual Ad Altare Dei award presentation sponsored by the Catholic Youth Organization of the Diocese of Bridgeport will be held Feb. 1, at the Holy Name Church. The awards will be presented by the Most Rev. Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of Bridgeport. Scout candidates for the award must have prepared themselves through a series of religious instructions under the direction of their local troop chaplain, after which they must pass a board of review. Those Scouts who successfully passed the board of review include Daniel J. Moriarity, Patrick J. Moriarity, and Daniel E. Shaub, Troop 22, St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.”

Choose Life…
January 23 is a National Day of Penance
- Fr. Terry Walsh

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to Him…” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Choose life….

We must recognize that the path to eternal happiness within the Holy Trinity is a path we choose to take. Each of us is given the choice. We each have immortal souls and we are meant to live in God – but He does not force us to live in Him. Our decisions in this life determine where we live eternally. The Council Fathers of Vatican II put it this way: “Let all be convinced that human life and its transmission are realities whose meaning is not limited by the horizons of this life only: their time evaluation and full meaning can only be understood in reference to man’s eternal destiny.” Sadly, our Culture rejects the gift of life – it rejects the Commandments – it has made itself ‘god’. And yet, consider what God has revealed to us: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…”(Jeremaih 1:5); or again in the Gospel of Luke: “For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy”(Lk 1:44). The Psalmist, too, sings of the wonder and magnificence of the human person created in the image and likeness of its Creator: “For Thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb…Thou knowest me right well; my frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret…”(Psalm 139!).

God created us in His Image when He breathed the breath of life into us – creating us body and soul – a life that begins at conception. He included freedom in His plan – that we might freely choose to love Him, that we would choose the blessing and receive life. But do we contemplate the wonder of His love and marvel at His infinite goodness? We are tragically caught up in a “Culture of Death’ – a culture that proclaims its independence from God, following in the footsteps of Adam. He willfully separated Himself from God. He tumbled out of Paradise and the State of Grace and found himself crawling in the dust. Why? God gave him life and, of course, every other gift and blessing in the State of Grace. But Adam took his eye off the ball. His pride got the better of him. Pride has a terrible effect on a soul meant for love. Adam thought ‘he knew better.’ Imagine the utter shock and horror that rocked his world when the bill showed up – when it came time to pay for his choice. Fast forward to our world today. We live in a culture of moral relativism that celebrates the right to kill what God has brought to life, violating the very commandments that lead to life.

Abortion, Destruction of Embryos, Euthanasia, Eugenics – the list goes on – all done in the so-called name of scientific advancement for ‘the benefit’ of mankind.” Has the subtle snake desensitized our moral and spiritual radar? Have we willfully turned away from God and embraced instead the culture of man? Neither Science nor Public Opinion has any power of absolution, yet it presumes this power. It calls evil (abortion, etc) good and ignores the consequences. It is utterly incomprehensible. Have we lost our way? Has science and technology been commandeered? Have we lost our moral compass and bitten the apple?

Again, the Second Vatican Council beautifully encapsulates our true relationship with God: “The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. The invitation to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes into being. For if man exists it is because God created him through love, and through love continues to hold him in existence. He cannot love fully according to Truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts himself to his Creator.” Choose life….

Consider praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary on January 23 for the conversion of the world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother.

Pastor’s Corner. . . As you may have noticed, the work to repaint the Basilica has indeed begun! It will take two full weeks to construct the scaffolding, which will include a number of stairways and towers to support the army of artisans from the John Canning Studios until Friday, March 31st. That’s the plan; I earnestly ask everyone in the parish to pray that this schedule becomes reality, in time for Holy Week and Easter. The artists at the John Canning Studio are the best experts in their field, and they will try diligently to make the deadline while providing the most beautiful sanctuary in Fairfield County for the Glory of God.

During this period, the upper church will be closed to everyone, except workers: Mondays through Saturdays, with the daily 8 am and 12:10 pm Masses and Confessions, and Monday evening 7-8 pm Adoration, offered downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. The upper church will be closed to everyone during the weeks of work, for safety reasons.

Likewise, the Bell Street church and elevator doors will be closed during the week.
To enter the Hall, everyone will have to use the doors to the downstairs hall on the rectory side of the basilica.

The upper church will be opened only on Saturday afternoons in time for 3 pm Confessions and 4 pm Mass, and will remain open each Sunday for the regularly scheduled Confessions and Masses. For safety reasons, please understand that you will not be able to enter the upper church, even to say a prayer during these weeks of intense work. As difficult an inconvenience as this will be, I ask you please to understand and to cooperate, for your own safety. The Blessed Sacrament will be reserved downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, which will remain open during the usual hours: Mon-Fri: 6:30 am- 4:30 pm; Sat: 6:30 am-1 pm. The upper church will be open for Confessions and Masses on Sundays: 6:30 am-1:30pm; 4:00 pm-7:30 pm. Because of the fire code, there will be no votive candles in the parish hall. I apologize, again, for the inconvenience that this will impose on everyone, and ask that you assist the parish staff with your patient cooperation, and the artists with your prayers for success in their work.

So, in a nut shell, here’s the Confession and Mass schedule starting Tuesday, January 3rd until March 31st:

Daily Masses:
Monday-Saturday: 8 am & 12:10 pm: PARISH HALL
Confessions Monday-Friday: 7:30am-7:50am; 11:30am-11:55 am: PARISH HALL.

Weekend Masses:
Saturday Vigil: 4pm: UPPER CHURCH
Saturday Confessions: 3:00 pm-4:00 pm: UPPER CHURCH.
Sunday Masses: 7:30 am; 8:30 am; 10:00 am; 12 noon; 5:00 pm; 6:00 pm: UPPER CHURCH
Sunday Confessions: 7:00 am-7:30 am; 9:30 am-10:00 am; 11:30 am-12 noon: UPPER CHURCH.
Religious Education classes will follow the regular Sunday morning schedule, with classes both in the Parish Hall and in the Rectory as usual.

Other changes to our usual schedule and practice during these work months:
All funerals will be downstairs during the workdays, as well. Funerals on Saturdays might be possible in the upper church, but we will know only once work begins. Baptisms on Saturday and Sunday will continue to be offered in the upper church; any Baptisms during the workdays will have to be in the parish hall. Likewise, there will be no coffee and refreshments offered after the Sunday 10 a.m. Mass in the parish hall until Easter.

All seasonal Masses and devotions during the upcoming workweeks will also be in the Parish Hall.

EXCEPT Ash Wednesday Masses [February 22nd] will be in the upper church, because of the crowds.

The Lenten Parish Mission will be in the Parish Hall as well: February 27, 28 & 29 at 7:30 pm for Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, a spiritual conference and Confessions.

I think that does it. Please accept my thanks for your cooperation as the work begins. I think each weekend will prove fascinating, as we see the work progress, from construction of the scaffolding throughout the entire basilica, to the repair work on the plaster ceilings and walls, to the painting and decoration work. Each week will be as if each of us is receiving a new dazzling gift to raise our minds and hearts to God, the source of all beauty. If you have not yet made a donation to help pay for the basilica repainting, please consider making one today: white donation envelopes are available at the basilica entrances, and will be available in the Monsignor Nagle Hall once we move downstairs next week. Please be as patient as you have been generous during these weeks of work. And, please pray for the successful completion of the repainting of the Basilica interior, which is, after all, for the glory of God and the inspiration of those who worship here.
—Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Duverney Caporal, Bridget Sheehy, Herman Schneider, Chris Seely, Frank Monaghan, Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Sandra Mayfield, Lily Ann O’Connell, Titina Tarantino, Richard Ridge, Mario Stano, Mark Ferris, Marie Maddox, Stacey, Kathleen Nichols, Rev. Carlos Antonio Mesa, Corrie Evans, Shirly Mailhot, Roledonne Samedi.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Terrence Cooke, Charles Harman, Bill Wiles, Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna, Brian Bill, Olga Rich, Morris Smith, Sr. Elizabeth Hart, R.S.M., Margaret Mary Cycon, Mildred J. Fiore, Tana Sibilio, Dr. Bela Szele, Audrey Reda, Helen Pataky, William Kilcoyne, Jr., Giuseppina Docimo, Adelaide Velanzano, Aura Piedra, Jeanne & Andy Robustelli, Mary Ferrara, Genoveffa Melchionno, Cynthia Callahan, Teresa Angelini, Natale Sposato, Joseph George Terenzio.

Special Energy Collection . . . The second collection today will be the Special Energy Collection to help pay the Higher Energy and Fuel Costs for the parish. Your generosity is appreciated.

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the Nagle Hall. Next Holy Hour:, January 9th at 7:30 p.m. Monday Evening Holy Hours will be downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Hall.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Has resumed Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in the rectory. Our guest lecturer for January will be Father Michael Novajoski, recently returned from Rome, who will offer lectures and readings by Origen, one of the most influential 3rd century theologians. All are welcome: just walk in the rectory front door. All the readings are in English.

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

New Study Group. . . Some people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. So, let’s try it again!! Anyone interested, please call Cindy in the parish office [203-324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name, phone, email. As always, there is no charge for these courses.

Biblical Greek Study Group. . .Thursdays: 6:30 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required). Our next meeting will be January 12th.

Repainting the Church. . . $609,640.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. I ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month, or $25. per week, or $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, help.

DAILY MASSES & CONFESSIONS
Until March 31st
All 8 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. Masses and Confessions Monday—Saturday
will be offered in the downstairs Parish Hall.
THE UPPER CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED ALL WEEK, reopening only for Saturday 3 pm Confessions and 4 pm Mass, and the usual Sunday Masses and Confessions. All Funerals will be in the parish hall until Easter.
Please Use the Rectory Walkway Blue Doors to Enter and Leave the Nagle Hall

January 1, 2012 $ 10,714.00
January 2, 2011 $ 12,479.96
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

January 15th Sunday Readings: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42.

Latin Mass. . . On Tuesdays will be CANCELLED until April due to the church painting.

Children’s Choir. . . Anmarie and Tom Galgano are our music directors for the 10 a.m. Mass and Children’s Choir this year. Any parent whose child or children might be interested in joining the Children’s Choir to sing during each Sunday 10 a.m. Mass, please call the rectory, and leave your name, your child’s name, age and your phone number with Cindy: 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: January 12th in the Rectory

Project Rachel Ministry. . . offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. We invite you to come back to God who is love and mercy. Info. (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

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

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

St. Gabriel Church—First Saturday Devotions. . . Saint Gabriel Parish will celebrate the First Saturday Devotions in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  On the First Saturday of each month Confessions will be heard from 9:30 to 10 AM, followed by Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, Rosary and Benediction.  All are welcome.

St. Gabriel Church—Epiphany Celebration. . . You are cordially invited to Sung Vespers and Benediction, Sunday, Jan 8th at 4PM, in celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. Wine and Cheese to follow in the Parish Hall at Saint Gabriel Church, 914 Newfield Avenue, Stamford.

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: Monday, January 23rd.

+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, January 7, 2012
4:00 +John and Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Sexton Young
Sunday, January 8, 2012
7:30 +Francesco Bertuca req. Domenico Piria
8:30 +Charlie Daniel Hudson Hill req. Charles and Ana Paternina
10:00 +Frances Delaney 4th Anniversary req. Arthur J. Wargo
12:00 + Marianna Piria Rosano req. Domenico Piria
5:00 +Marie Wenthen
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, January 9, 2012
8:00 +Gaynor Brennan req. the Marchetti Family
12:10 In Honor of the Eternal Father req. Ferry G.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
8:00 Thanksgiving to God req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10 +Karl and Louise Wilk req. Sue Kremheller
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
8:00 John J. Gannon Birthday req. Sharon Gannon
12:10 +Marie Emma Auguste req. Sabine Auguste
Thursday, January 12, 2012
8:00 +John Maloney req. Mary
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Nelly Contreras
Friday, January 13, 2012
8:00 +Barbara Ecenrode req. Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Ingram
12:10 +Elionise Simon req. Anne Jean-Rene
Saturday, January 14, 2012
8:00 +Hope and Joseph McAleer req. the McAleer Family
12:10 +Thomas Conner & Family req. Shawn M. McAuliffe

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

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Coffee Hour. . . NO coffee hour until the church painting is completed.

St. John’s in THE ADVOCATE:
140 years ago, or so:
January 15, 1869: Our Local Clergymen. “In giving very brief sketches of our Stamford clergymen, we must premise by saying that we think this town excels in this profession; and though we would not, if we could justly, say unpleasant things of any one of them, it gives us great pleasure to say what we do, believing it to be the truth, and the friends of those mentioned, we trust, will find the portraits faithfully executed. Father Fagan, of the Roman Catholic church, though but a short time here, has already, as we learn, won the respect and confidence of his numerous parishioners. He takes a great interest in the temporal as well as spiritual welfare of his people, and in this he is ably and efficiently seconded by the Rev. Eugene Gaffney, his assistant. The temperance movement receives the hearty support of both these gentlemen.”

100 years ago, or so:
January 15, 1912: Father Stanton’s Talk. “The services, yesterday, of the triduum in St. John’s R.C. Church, were very largely attended, especially in the evening, when a large increase over the congregation assembled Wednesday evening was noticeable. Father Stanton’s sermon last night was on the subject of “The Making and the Training of the Christian Home.” He told of the Catholic man’s position in the home. The next service will be held tonight, at 7:30, and Father Stanton extends a cordial invitation to all men of the parish to be present, and make the retreat, which will last until Sunday evening, when the final sermon will b preached.”

50 years ago, or so:
January 12, 1963: Scenes For Movie To Be Filmed At Church, School Here. “Stamford again will be “location” for scenes for a moving picture to be made by a Hollywood movie company. Specifically, St. John’s Church on Atlantic St. and St. John’s School will be used in filming of scenes in “The Cardinal.” The movie, based on the novel of the same name, will be a fictional biography of a cardinal. St. John’s Church will be used as the church where early in his career, the cardinal is a parish priest. Otto Preminger, who will produce the firm, was in Stamford recently to make arrangements. The shooting of the Stamford scenes is expected to begin February 7 and take about a week. Several years ago, the moving picture “Boomerang,” had most of its scenes made in Stamford.”

The Epiphany
(Revisited)
- Fr. Terry Walsh

As a Seminarian, several of our academic classes focused on the various books of the Bible, such as the Psalms or the Letters of St. Paul. They were very interesting courses, but were only able to focus on specific aspects of the various particular parts of the Bible. There’s so much ground to cover and at first glance, it can appear a little “foreign.” After all, the events and circumstances in the Holy Bible go back many centuries. Even the most recent writings in the Bible (The New Testament) are 2000 years old! Where do I begin? How will I understand?

And yet, it’s not simply a history book. It is rather like a “love letter” and it is addressed to every single person created in the image and likeness of God – individually. It is the living Word of God and it speaks to our hearts in a unique way if we simply pick it up and read it.

And so, I began to understand more clearly that in order to come to know the Heart of our Lord, I needed to read the Bible in a new way. Yes, the courses were very helpful and interesting. Still, it was time to travel through the Bible in a more personal way – to read it as a letter from God.

So, on Ash Wednesday of my 3rd year at the Seminary, I decided I would read a couple chapters each day throughout Lent. When Easter arrived, I continued my daily reading – at least one chapter a day – every day – until I read the last word on the last page of the last book of the Bible. I began to see all of “Salvation History” unfold before my eyes in a whole new way. Each book of the Bible was “connected” to every other book and told a story of love. Somewhere along the line I found myself “praying” my ‘chapter-a-day.’ There were days that I just couldn’t put it down. So many graces come with that journey – the grace of coming to a greater knowledge and understanding of God for sure – but also the graces that come simply from spending that time with God. There were so many ‘ah ha’ moments – so many occasions when I was able to “connect the dots” so to speak – and see how all of Sacred Scripture was part of a seamless whole – it is Christ. Coming to understand His love and mercy, His faithfulness and patience – and every other virtue for that matter – was quite literally like wiping fog away from a window. It’s a wonderful journey into the very Heart of Jesus Christ. He leads us every step of the way. I began that journey on Ash Wednesday, a “day of darkness” when we remember that “we are dust and unto dust shall we return” – a day when we consider our own mortality. I finished a year and a half later on the Feast of the Epiphany, the day of great Light. I hadn’t planned it that way, it was simply another grace. It was the grace of understanding that in order to gain a true knowledge of the purpose of life, we must be enlightened by Christ Himself. He alone pours “light” into our hearts and minds so that we may know the love of God. Without this light we would only stumble in the dark. Why not begin your journey to the Heart of our Lord on the day of great Light and see where He leads you – one chapter at a time….

Pastor’s Corner. . .
The repainting of the Basilica interior begins Tuesday, January 3rd and will continue until Friday, March 31st , in time to clean and prepare the interior for Holy Week and Easter.
That’s the plan; I earnestly ask everyone in the parish to pray that this schedule becomes reality. The artists at the John Canning Studio are the best experts in their field, and they will try diligently to make the deadline while providing the most beautiful sanctuary in Fairfield County for the Glory of God.

During this period, the upper church will be closed Mondays through Saturdays, with the daily 8 am and 12:10 pm Masses and Confessions, and Monday evening 7-8 pm Adoration, offered downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall. The upper church will be closed to everyone during the weeks of work, for safety reasons. Likewise, the Bell Street doors will be closed during the week. To enter the Hall, everyone will have to use the doors on the rectory side of the basilica. The upper church will be opened only on Saturday afternoons in time for 3 pm Confessions and 4 pm Mass, and will remain open each Sunday for the regularly scheduled Confessions and Masses. Because the entire interior of the upper church will be covered in scaffolding, during each week of work until April 1st, Mondays—Saturday inclusive, the upper church will be inaccessible to everyone, except those working on the project. For safety reasons, please understand that you will not be able to enter the upper church, even to light a candle or to say a prayer during these weeks of intense work. As difficult an inconvenience as this will be, I ask you please to understand and to cooperate, for your own safety. The Blessed Sacrament will be reserved downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, which will remain open during the usual hours: Mon-Fri: 6:30 am- 4:30 pm; Sat: 6:30 am-1 pm. The upper church will be open for Confessions and Masses on Sundays: 6:30 am-1:30pm; 4:00 pm-7:30 pm. Because of the fire code, there will be no votive candles in the parish hall; nor can anyone go into the upper church to light candles, except on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, when the upper church will be open for weekend Masses. I apologize, again, for the inconvenience that this will impose on everyone, and ask that you assist the parish staff with your patient cooperation, and the artists with your prayers for success in their work.
So, in a nut shell, here’s the Confession and Mass schedule starting Tuesday, January 3rd until March 31st:
Daily Masses:
Monday-Saturday: 8 am & 12:10 pm: PARISH HALL
Confessions Monday-Friday: 7:30am-7:50am; 11:30am-11:55 am: PARISH HALL.
Weekend Masses:
Saturday Vigil: 4pm: UPPER CHURCH
Saturday Confessions: 3:00 pm-4:00 pm: UPPER CHURCH.
Sunday Masses: 7:30 am; 8:30 am; 10:00 am; 12 noon; 5:00 pm; 6:00 pm: UPPER CHURCH
Sunday Confessions: 7:00 am-7:30 am; 9:30 am-10:00 am; 11:30 am-12 noon: UPPER CHURCH.
Religious Education classes will follow the regular Sunday morning schedule, with classes both in the Parish Hall and in the Rectory as usual.

Other changes to our usual schedule and practice during these work months:
All funerals will be downstairs during the workdays, as well. Funerals on Saturdays might be possible in the upper church, but we will know only once work begins. Baptisms on Saturday and Sunday will continue to be offered in the upper church; any Baptisms during the workdays will have to be in the parish hall. Likewise, there will be no coffee and refreshments offered after the Sunday 10 a.m. Mass in the parish hall until Easter.

All seasonal Masses and religious services during the upcoming workweeks will also be in the Parish Hall.

EXCEPT Ash Wednesday Masses [February 22nd] will be in the upper church, because of the crowds.

The Lenten Parish Mission will be in the Parish Hall as well: February 27, 28 & 29 at 7:30 pm for Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, a spiritual conference and Confessions.

I think that does it. Please accept my thanks for your cooperation as the work begins. I think each weekend will prove fascinating, as we see the work progress, from construction of the scaffolding throughout the entire basilica, to the repair work on the plaster ceilings and walls, to the painting and decoration work. Each week will be as if each of us is receiving a new dazzling gift to raise our minds and hearts to God, the source of all beauty. If you have not yet made a donation to help pay for the basilica repainting, please consider making one today: white donation envelopes are available at the basilica entrances, and will be available in the Monsignor Nagle Hall once we move downstairs next week. Please be as patient as you have been generous during these weeks of work. And, please pray for the successful completion of the repainting of the Basilica interior, which is, after all, for the glory of God and the inspiration of those who worship here. God bless you in the New Year! —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Duverney Caporal, Bridget Sheehy, Herman Schneider, Chris Seely, Frank Monaghan, Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Sandra Mayfield, Lily Ann O’Connell, Titina Tarantino, Richard Ridge, Mario Stano, Mark Ferris, Marie Maddox, Stacey, Kathleen Nichols, Rev. Carlos Antonio Mesa, Corrie Evans, Shirly Mailhot, Roledonne Samedi.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Terrence Cooke, Charles Harman, Bill Wiles, Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna, Brian Bill, Olga Rich, Morris Smith, Sr. Elizabeth Hart, R.S.M., Margaret Mary Cycon, Mildred J. Fiore, Tana Sibilio, Dr. Bela Szele, Audrey Reda, Helen Pataky, William Kilcoyne, Jr., Giuseppina Docimo, Adelaide Velanzano, Aura Piedra, Jeanne & Andy Robustelli, Mary Ferrara, Genoveffa Melchionno, Cynthia Callahan, Teresa Angelini, Natale Sposato, Joseph George Terenzio.

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

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the church. Next Holy Hour:, January 2nd at 7:30 p.m. All subsequent Monday Evening Holy Hours will be downstairs in the Monsignor Nagle Hall.

Saint Peter Votive Light Memorial. . . The left votive Special Intentions Bridgette Schilling and the right votive In Memory of Achille Lamontagne both req. Lloydie Lamontagne.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . . Resumes Wednesday, January 4th at 7:30 pm in the rectory. Our guest lecturer for January will be Father Michael Novajoski, recently returned from Rome, who will offer lectures and readings by Origen, one of the most influential 3rd century theologians. All are welcome: just walk in the rectory front door. All the readings are in English.

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

New Study Group. . . Some people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. So, let’s try it again!! Anyone interested, please call Cindy in the parish office [203-324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name, phone, email. As always, there is no charge for these courses.

Biblical Greek Study Group. . .Thursdays: 6:30 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required). Our next meeting will be January 12th.

Repainting the Church. . . $606,500.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. I ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month, or $25. per week, or $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, help.

NOTE: While the basilica is being painted, all weekday Masses INCLUDING FUNERALS will be in the hall.

Religious Education Classes. . . CANCELLED: January 1st.

Coffee Hour. . . Please note: NO coffee hour this Sunday, January 1st and it will not resume until the painting of the Basilica is finished.

St. Gabriel Church—Epiphany Celebrations. . . You are cordially invited to two celebrations of the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord at Saint Gabriel Church, 914 Newfield Avenue, Stamford:
Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (Latin mass according to the 1962 Missal), Friday, Jan 6th at 7:30PM, Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C, The Sparrow Mass with Gregorian Chant. Light Reception to follow.

Sung Vespers and Benediction, Sunday, Jan 8th at 4PM. Wine and Cheese to follow in the Parish Hall.

Christmas December 25, 2011 $ 39,028.00
Christmas December 25, 2010 $ 30,676.50
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

January 8th Sunday Readings: Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12.

Latin Mass. . . Fr. Cyprian LaPastina offers the Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. here at Saint John’s. The next Latin Mass is Tuesday, January 3rd.

Children’s Choir. . . Anmarie and Tom Galgano are our music directors for the 10 a.m. Mass and Children’s Choir this year. Any parent whose child or children might be interested in joining the Children’s Choir to sing during each Sunday 10 a.m. Mass, please call the rectory, and leave your name, your child’s name, age and your phone number with Cindy: 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: January 12th in the Rectory

Project Rachel Ministry. . . offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. We invite you to come back to God who is love and mercy. Info. (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

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

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

St. Gabriel Church—First Saturday Devotions. . . Saint Gabriel Parish will celebrate the First Saturday Devotions in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  On the First Saturday of each month Confessions will be heard from 9:30 to 10 AM, followed by Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, Rosary and Benediction.  All are welcome.

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: Monday, January 23rd.

DAILY MASSES & CONFESSIONS: Beginning January 3rd—March 31st:
All 8 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. Masses and Confessions Monday—Saturday will be offered in the downstairs Parish Hall. THE UPPER CHURCH WILL BE CLOSED ALL WEEK, reopening only for
Saturday 3 pm Confessions and 4 pm Mass, and the usual Sunday Masses and Confessions.
Please Use the Walkway Blue Doors to Enter and Leave the Nagle Hall
(side of the church near the rectory)

+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, December 31, 2011
4:00 +Denis Oliveira req. Lilian and Alvina Ramos
Sunday, January 1, 2012
7:30 +Charles Cycon req. Cycon Family
8:30 +Robert Monahan
10:00 +Salvatore and Caterina Piria req. Domenico Piria
12:00 +Suzanne Donovan 17th Anniversary req. Marion Morris
5:00 +Dorothy Moriarty req. Jimmy and Michelle Sagdati
6:00 NO MASS
Monday, January 2, 2012
8:00 People of the Parish
12:10 Achille and Micilia Paulemon req. Montanise Paulemon
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
8:00 +Margaret Timon req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Raymond Gabriele req. Tom and Olga Kolenberg
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
8:00 +Dr. Raymond Gabriele req. the Marchetti Family
12:10 Special Intentions Wendy Lamb req. Tom & Olga Kolenberg
Thursday, January 5, 2012
8:00 Juliana Medina req. Marion Morris, Tony Colon and Carmine Boccuzzi
12:10 +Robert Monahan req. Maude and Paul Hughes and family
Friday, January 6, 2012
8:00 Faithful Departed
12:10 Sacred Heart of Jesus req. Anne Marie Samedi
Saturday, January 7, 2012
8:00 Special Intentions Stephen M. DiGiovanni req. Josephine Languedoc
12:10 In Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary req. Ferry G.

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

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Coffee Hour. . . NO coffee hour this Sunday January 1st and it will not resume until the church painting is completed.

St. John’s in THE NEWS:
THE CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC:
135 years ago, or so:
January 2, 1886: Stamford. “On Christmas four Masses were celebrated in our church, the first at 5 o’clock and the others at the same hours as on Sundays, and few, if any, in the parish failed to attend some one of those Masses, the weather being remarkably fine for the season. The sanctuary choir, consisting of about fifteen boys, all good singers, sang at the first and last Masses, in a manner that showed much care and preparation. This is the first time a choir of this kind has sung in our parish and it is hoped the same may be continued.”

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
100 years ago, or so:
January 5, 1910: “St. Anne’s Ladies’ Aid Society will hold its annual winter entertainment for the benefit of the poor, in St. John’s school hall, Thursday evening.”

10 years ago, or so:
January 6, 2001: Joyous, jubilee winds down. “The Feast of the Epiphany tomorrow marks the end of the Jubilee 2000, a universal celebration in the Roman Catholic Church that began Nov. 28, 1999. During normal Jubilee Year celebrations, which are designated by the pope and occur about every 25 years, many Catholics worldwide make a pilgrimage to Rome’s four great basilicas to strengthen their ties to God and to ask forgiveness for sins. Those who make the pilgrimage are rewarded with a clean slate in the eyes of God, church leaders say—meaning the rescinding of all temporal punishment the Catholic Church says is owed for sins previously forgiven. With the start of a new millennium and the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, Pope John Paul II made the 800-year-old tradition more accessible by allowing bishops to designate churches within each diocese as pilgrimage sites so more people could participate in the Jubilee and earn the special indulgence afforded by making the pilgrimage. In the Bridgeport Diocese, five churches were named pilgrimage sites: St. John the Evangelist in Stamford, St. Mary’s in Norwalk, St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport, St. Theresa in Trumbull and St. Peter in Danbury. “In 1300 A.D., the church began celebrating Holy Years when Catholics are encouraged to forgive the debts of others, forgive offenses against them and to encourage people to bind stronger ties to their faith,” said Monsignor Stephen DiGiovanni of St. John the Evangelist. There are a variety of spiritual activities that revolve around the Jubilee, with the most important one being the opening of what is called the Holy Door.“

Blessed Virgin Mary
Mother of God
-Fr. Terry Walsh

Loving Mother of the Redeemer, gate of heaven, star of the sea, assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again. To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator, yet remained a virgin after as before. You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting, have pity on us poor sinners.
—Hymn (Night Prayer, Liturgy of the Hours)

This beautiful hymn sung by priests and religious after the final Hour of the day, “Night Prayer” reflects on the sheer wonder of God’s plan for our salvation. After all, Jesus, who is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, actually created Mary, the Immaculate Conception, the woman who would become His Mother -in time. And so, as St. Paul writes, “in the fullness of time” when God chose to become incarnate for the benefit of all humanity, he was conceived in the Immaculate Womb of one he specially created, Mary. St. Louis De Montfort writes, “Mary is the supreme masterpiece of Almighty God and he reserved the knowledge and possession of her for himself. She is the glorious Mother of God the Son who chose to humble and conceal her during her lifetime in order to foster her humility…Mary is the sealed fountain (Song of Songs 4:12) and the faithful spouse of the Holy Spirit where only he may enter. She is the sanctuary and resting-place of the Blessed Trinity where God dwells in greater and more divine splendor than anywhere else in the universe, not excluding his dwelling above the cherubim and seraphim…I declare with the saints: Mary is the earthly paradise of Jesus Christ the new Adam, where he became man by the power of the Holy Spirit, in order to accomplish in her wonders beyond our understanding.” (True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, articles 5, 6). (Incidentally, de Montfort’s classic treatise is available in our bookstore—you might recall that we handed them out to the entire parish after the weekend Masses a few years ago, so important the need to have a clear understanding of t role of Mary in our lives and our need to be devoted to Her).

It is, after all, Mary’s consent, Her “Yes” to God, “Let it be done to me according to your word” that the Second Person of the Holy Trinity leaves His throne of Glory and humbles Himself to become man (although remaining a Divine Person of course, but now, having 2 Natures: Human and Divine). St. Paul speaks eloquently about the “Self-Emptying” of Christ in his Letter to the Philippians, “Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men. He was known to be of human estate, and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross! Because of this, God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name above every other name, So that at Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!”(chapter 2: 6-11). Once Mary said “yes” I will be His Mother (and later, consent to his immolation on the Cross—for us), God took upon Himself our lowly nature—and once again made it Holy. Mary is His Mother.

St. Irenaeus (3rd Century) encourages us to honor God by honoring His Mother: “Those who suppose that Christ took nothing from the Virgin are badly mistaken. In order to cast away the inheritance of the flesh, they also reject the analogy between Christ and Adam. And his descent into Mary would also be superfluous in this case. Why did he come down into her if he were to take nothing of her? Still further, if he had taken nothing of Mary, he would never have made use of those kinds of food that come from the earth, by which the body that has been taken from the earth is nourished. Nor would he have hungered, fasting those 40 days, like Moses and Elijah, unless his body was craving after its own proper nourishment; nor again, would John, his disciple, have said, when writing of Him, ‘Jesus, wearied as he was with the journey, sat down beside the well’ (John 4:6) nor would David have proclaimed of him beforehand, ‘They have added to the grief of my wounds’; nor would he have declared, ‘My soul is very sorrowful’ (Matthew 26:38), nor, when his side was pierced, would there have come forth blood and water. All these things are tokens of the flesh that had been derived from the earth, which he had recapitulated in Himself, bringing salvation to his own handiwork” (Against Heresies, 3.22.1).

Mary is truly the Mother of God because she is the Mother of Jesus who is a Divine Person. She gives Him His humanity. And so, the graces we need to be made holy and so to be saved actually come to us through her “Yes, I will do it.” Again, De Montfort captures the essence of Her extraordinary role in our lives as our Spiritual Mother when he writes: (Mary) is (Jesus’) mystic channel, His aqueduct, through which He causes His mercies to flow gently and abundantly”(True Devotion, article 24).
BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER

Pastor’s Corner. . . God became a man, born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary. That’s what Christmas is all about. And, everything changed. The Eternal Son of God became man to reconcile all creation with the Eternal Father. And so, the heart of our happiness in life now stems from our relationship with God; by imitating Our Lord, the God who became man.

The saints are examples of men and women who succeeded in responding to the Incarnation in daily lives, and not merely in daily words or pretty religious sentiments. They are God bearers in their unbelieving cultures; their love for God formed their very thoughts and motivated their every deed. They lived to please God by imitating Christ. Since we are blessed in the parish with numerous relics of saints, let me point out some rather interesting saints during this Christmas season. Their relics are tangible signs that these people lived; the fact that the Church remembers them each year, show how important their lives were to God and to others.

On the high altar, on the far left and right sides, are two tower-like reliquaries: superb examples of mid-19th century English craftsmanship in chiseled brass, donated by a parishioner. Each bears relics of saints: the reliquary on the left contains a large bone of Saint Constantine: the more imaginative of his biographers said he was the nephew of King Arthur! Actually, he came from Scotland, married the daughter of the King of Brittany and, after her untimely death, renounced his crown to become a monk. He worked with Saint Columba in Ireland and St. Kentigern in South-West Scotland. He was elected abbot of his monastery and bishop on the Island of Kintyre, and while preaching God’s Incarnate mercy to local pagans, he was martyred in 576 A.D. He spent his life preaching God’s mercy, hoping that those who heard him would respond in faith and charity. Even though some did not, many more did, because Constantine imitated Christ, spending his life to bring Our Lord to others by laying the foundation for Christian culture by establishing the Church in Ireland and Scotland.

In the right-hand reliquary, are the relics of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Our Lady, along with the relic of Saint Stephen, the first martyr. Joachim and Anne were unable to have children. Mocked by their neighbors, and their marriage on the rocks, they separated, and prayed for divine assistance. God heard their prayers and directed them back to each other. Their love and God’s grace finally accomplished the seeming impossible: Saint Anne conceived, and her daughter, Mary, became the Mother of Our Lord, whose birth as a man we celebrate on Christmas. They trusted entirely in God and His promises, and found happiness in doing God’s will, and thus helped to bring about the salvation to the world. Saint Stephen, a contemporary of Our Lady’s parents, of Our Lady, Our Lord and the Apostles, Stephen was one of the first deacons [Acts of the Apostles, 6-7]. Because of his forceful preaching and charity, he converted many. The Temple leaders were unhappy with his successes, had him dragged outside the walls of Jerusalem, and stoned to death. As he was dying, Stephen prayed for his murderers. Stephen’s prayers, his witness to Christ crucified and resurrected, and his charity towards the poor and his persecutors, even as he was dying, are said to have brought Paul to conversion. And, it was Saint Paul who worked with Saint Peter as the two Princes of the Apostles, the founders of the Church in Rome [whose relics are in the smaller reliquaries].

These saints remind us that the birth of the Savior is serious business: the world prefers to forget God, or to create one that is non-intrusive. But, there is only one God, who really entered the world as a child, and our response to Him must be equally real: we accept Him and live to please Him; or we reject Him, and ignore Him in our daily lives.

These people, not really different from ourselves, understood that because God had become a man at a certain time and in a certain place, everything had changed. These saints knew that their lives would bear immense importance by doing one thing: loving the God who took on human flesh, in their words and deeds, in order to share in the victory of the Christ born in Bethlehem, crucified and risen from the dead in Jerusalem. These saints are remembered around the world by millions of people throughout the centuries to the present today. Can you remember the names of the kings, princes or presidents who ruled when these saints lived? Can you name any public figures of their times, or politicians or any of the shakers and movers who lived in the same cities where these saints lived? No. Yet it is these saints who are remembered because they responded to the Divine Generosity manifest at Bethlehem: they lived to please the God who became man, so that one day they could share God’s very life. Let’s do the same: kneel at the altar rail after Mass today, and say a prayer to Saints Joachim and Anne the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and to the martyrs Saints Constantine and Stephen: we share the same Faith with them, and are part of the same Body of Christ, the Catholic Church, in which they are still members with us. Pray to imitate them in the New Year, just as they imitated Christ in their own lives, perfectly as they could, so we may all meet one day in Heaven. Merry Christmas!
—Monsignor DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Bridget Sheehy, Herman Schneider, Chris Seely, Frank Monaghan, Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Sandra Mayfield, Lily Ann O’Connell, Titina Tarantino, Richard Ridge, Mario Stano, Mark Ferris, Marie Maddox, Terry Cooke, Stacey, Kathleen Nichols, Rev. Carlos Antonio Mesa, Corrie Evans, Shirly Mailhot, Roledonne Samedi.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Charles Harman, Bill Wiles, Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna, Brian Bill, Olga Rich, Morris Smith, Sr. Elizabeth Hart, R.S.M., Margaret Mary Cycon, Mildred J. Fiore, Tana Sibilio, Dr. Bela Szele, Audrey Reda, Helen Pataky, William Kilcoyne, Jr., Giuseppina Docimo, Adelaide Velanzano, Aura Piedra, Jeanne & Andy Robustelli, Mary Ferrara, Genoveffa Melchionno, Cynthia Callahan, Teresa Angelini, Natale Sposato, Joseph George Terenzio.

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

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the church. Next Holy Hour:, December 26th at 7:30 p.m.

Salus Populi Romani Icon Votive Memorial. . . In memory of Maurizio Mastracchio req. R. Mastracchio.

Saint Peter Votive Light Memorial. . . The left votive is in memory of the deceased members of the Lester Family and the right votive is in memory of Gregory Mazza both req. Lucille Lester.

St. Joseph Votive Light Memorial . . . Special Intentions Monsignor DiGiovanni, Father Walsh and Father Audette req. Giannitti Family.

Memorial Votive Lights . . . The votive lights at the shrine of Saint Peter, Our Lady, St. Joseph, or at the icon of Mary Protectress of the Roman People, may be memorialized each week for the intention or in memory of a loved one, for a donation of $20.00 per candle, per week. Please call Cindy at 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

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

New Study Group. . . Some people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. So, let’s try it again!! Anyone interested, please call Cindy in the parish office [203-324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name, phone, email. As always, there is no charge for these courses.

Biblical Greek Study Group. . .Thursdays: 6:30 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Repainting the Church. . . $601,300.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. I ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month, or $25. per week, or $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, help.

NOTE: While the basilica is being painted, all weekday Masses INCLUDING FUNERALS will be in the hall.

Religious Education Classes. . . CANCELLED: December 25th and January 1st.

Coffee Hour. . . Each Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the parish hall. All are welcome. Please note: NO coffee hour on Sunday December 25th or on Sunday, January 1st.

Sunday December 18, 2011 $ 13,847.00
Sunday December 19, 2010 $ 14,598.13
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

January 1st Sunday Readings: Nm 6:22-27; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21.

Latin Mass. . . Fr. Cyprian LaPastina offers the Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. here at Saint John’s. The next Latin Mass is Tuesday, December 27th.

Children’s Choir. . . Anmarie and Tom Galgano are our music directors for the 10 a.m. Mass and Children’s Choir this year. Any parent whose child or children might be interested in joining the Children’s Choir to sing during each Sunday 10 a.m. Mass, please call the rectory, and leave your name, your child’s name, age and your phone number with Cindy: 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: January 12th in the Rectory

Project Rachel Ministry. . . offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. We invite you to come back to God who is love and mercy. Info. (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

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

St. Gabriel Church—First Saturday Devotions. . . Saint Gabriel Parish will celebrate the First Saturday Devotions in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  On the First Saturday of each month Confessions will be heard from 9:30 to 10 AM, followed by Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, Rosary and Benediction.  All are welcome.

Saint Monica Patristic Institute. . . Will next meet on the Wednesdays of January: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25, starting at 7:30 pm in the rectory. Our topic in January will be the theology of Origen, led by Father Michael Novajoski, parochial vicar of St. Jude Parish, Monroe. There is no charge; classes are 1 hour, and all the texts are in English translations. You’ll love this stuff! Everyone is welcome.

Tutoring. . . Could your child benefit from after school or weekend tutoring? If you would be interested in beginning a free after school tutoring class in reading, writing and arithmetic, please let me know: 203-324-1553, ext 11, and we can discuss details and ideas. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: Monday, January 23rd.

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, December 24, 2011
4:00 +John Melfi, Mary Melfi and Vito Melfi req. Joseph Melfi
12:00 AM Midnight Mass: People of the Parish
Sunday, December 25, 2011
7:30 Forgotten Souls in Purgatory req. Ferry G.
8:30 Special Intentions Diane Strain req. Mildred and Joan Beirne
10:00 +Randolph Samedi req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:00 Our Lady of Loretto Altar Guild req. Priests of the Parish
5:00 NO MASS
6:00 +Anne Augustine Penta req. Armelle-daughter
Monday, December 26, 2011
8:00 Maria Trivino req. Lilian and Alvina Ramos
12:10 +Stephen & Nicholas Churley, Eva, Charles, Nicholas, Anne, Joseph and Charles Kronk, Jr. req. Mary Churley
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
8:00 +Nang Nguyen req. Thang Nguyen
12:10 +Mrs. Dorothy D’Alonzo req. the Haggarty family
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
8:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Maria
12:10 +Patsy A. Cappiello req. the Duffy family
Thursday, December 29, 2011
8:00 +John J. Barry, 1st Anniversary req. McAleer Family
12:10 +Ruth Jean Dillon req. Janine A. O’Connor
Friday, December 30, 2011
8:00 Special Intentions Mildred & Joan Beirne req. Diane Strain
12:10 Special Intentions Michael Tartell req. Josephine Languedoc
Saturday, December 31, 2011
8:00 +Anne Augustine Penta req. Armelle-daughter
12:10 +Deceased members of the D’Amico, Schepis and Fazio families req. Frank D’Amico

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

Coffee Hour. . . NO coffee hour on Sunday December 25th or on Sunday, January 1st.

St. John’s in THE NEWS:
THE CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC:
120 years ago, or so:
December 30, 1893: Stamford. “Rev. Father McClean who was ordained to the priesthood on Friday by Archbishop Williams of Boston celebrated his first Mass at 10:30 on Christmas morning and also read vespers in the evening. His many friends in this city take pride in his being ordained to the priesthood and wish him success in his path of life.”

The HARTFORD COURANT:
85 years ago, or so:
December 29, 1926: Tower Adds Beauty to St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Stamford. “With the completion of the new tower of the St. John’s R.C. Church, of this city, the edifice becomes one of the finest pieces of architecture and one of the handsomest church buildings in the state. The tower is the result of years of planning by Rev. James C. O’Brien, pastor of the church, and forms a splendid memorial to his work a s leader of the parish.”

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
50 years ago, or so:
December 26, 1962: Christmas Scene On Atlantic St. “Adding to the Christmas atmosphere in the downtown area this year is a Nativity Scene, placed for the first time on the porch of the St. John’s Rectory, 279 Atlantic St. The scene was arranged so lights from rooms behind it shine through the transparent material to bring the figures into relief. This and other Nativity scenes have combined with the glowing Christmas trees to set the City ablaze with seasonal lights.”

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
15 years ago, or so:
December 29, 1996: Men of a new cloth. “Last evening, the Rev. William A. Nagle led a holiday service at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church dressed in gold, the color that celebrates the importance of the Feast of the Holy Family celebrated today. But sometime soon, as one of the area’s newly appointed monsignors, Nagle will replace his normal black liturgical dress with a purple cassock, symbolic of his new title of honor. “We’re all so happy to hear it,” said Barbara Schuerger, who attended last night’s service with a friend. “We think it should have been a long time ago. He’s such an intelligent, holy person. We’re just so thrilled.” Nagle gave a sermon last night on family values. The altar was filled with white and red poinsettias and adorned with evergreen wreaths swathed in crimson bows.“

Christmas Reflections…
-Fr. Terry Walsh

O the Mystery and the Wonder of the love among the Three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity – what beauty, what humility; so mysterious, so explosive, so pure and holy! We were created through that love. And, even when man, in his foolish arrogance, freely chose to separate Himself from God, taking upon His shoulders the ‘Yoke of sin through Pride’ – God responded with a perfect act of Humility. Christmas celebrates that unfathomable act of love and our hearts and minds naturally open to a deep and profound contemplation of the wonder of God. In His mercy, God descended from Heaven, exchanging His Throne of glory for a hay-filled manger in a cold cave. The Saints proclaim, ‘God became man so that man might become God’ – ‘He became poor so that we might become rich’ – rich in divine grace, rich in love and mercy. We, likewise, must become humble.

The angels cannot contain their praise and adoration – marveling at the incomprehensible love – the complete humility of the Creator of all things. Those same angels that cried out: “Glory to God in the Highest!!!” that first Christmas night – are with us at every Mass, joined by all the Saints in Heaven; they come to praise and adore God-with-us. We too hear the echo of the calm and gentle words of the angel to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid.” We who once were in Darkness have been redeemed by this Babe in the Manger. Now, we’re able to bathe in the Light, under the grace of God. Through His life, death, and Resurrection, He has opened the door to everlasting life for all who faithfully follow Him. Christ has come to offer salvation to all who are drawn to His Light – the Light of Truth and Purity; the Light of Mercy and Forgiveness; the Light of Love. He has come for all who believe in Him and live in His Light by faithfully living the Gospel.

Born in the City of David, in the little, humble town of Bethlehem, whose Name means ‘House of Bread’ – our Lord – who is the Bread of Angels – becomes for us “the Living Bread come down from Heaven!” It is precisely this act of love – made in perfect humility – that the very Son of God is born into the world – to offer Himself in sacrifice. On that night, He lay in a bed of hay; but now, He comes to us present in a tiny little host – what extraordinary humility! Think of it – He makes it easy for us. He nourishes and sustains His divine life in us through ordinary bread and wine. What had been a little piece of bread becomes his dwelling place. He is there – in the host – in “Perfect Humility!” He no longer rests in a cold manger, but rather, in every warm heart that receives Him worthily – in Faith and with love. And at that most extraordinary moment when He enters our hearts; when we receive Holy Eucharist worthily, we experience an explosion of light radiating throughout our souls – a boost of strength and life. It’s this strength which enables the humble heart to “reject godless ways and worldly desires” as St. Paul tells us, and instead “live temperately, justly, and devoutly – eager to do what is good.” Every single day Emmanuel comes to us – hidden in the tiny little host! –waiting for us to come to Him. Every single day He humbles Himself to become present and dwell forever IN us. May we reflect on his perfect humility and be truly overwhelmed with awe and wonder, echoing the song of the angels – ‘Glory to God in the Highest and peace to all on whom His favor rests!’
A Blessed Christmas Season to all…

Pastor’s Corner. . . One of the most beautiful of all meditations about God becoming Man [the mystery we celebrate at Christmas] is that written by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux [1090-1153]. The “mystery” is why God would come to rescue us from sin and death, at all!? The answer to that is God’s love for us; and His hope that we will learn to love Him in return. That’s what salvation is: understanding that God loves you, and deciding that you will love God in the way you live your life, thereby opening yourself to God’s grace, so you might live with Him forever. Saint Bernard’s meditation is about the response Our Lady made to the Archangel Gabriel, who was sent by God to ask Mary to co-operate with His plan to save humankind from sin and death. As we read Bernard’s meditation, think of yourself as being in Our Lady’s room when the Archangel Gabriel appears: you’re eavesdropping, hiding behind the curtains. But, even while you’re doing something not so very nice, you become caught up in the scene of the angel before Mary: and, as you begin to understand the importance that Mary’s response to God is to YOU and to YOUR future, you begin to hope that Mary will say “yes” , and co-operate with God’s invitation to be the Mother of God, so that you and all humankind might benefit in eternal life—for the first time, you understand the depth of God’s love for you, and, possibly for the first time, you desire to love God in return.

Saint Bernard’s meditation is based on this Sunday’s Gospel: the Annunciation, which is also one of the most beautiful of the stained glass windows here at the Basilica: it is the on the side wall of Our Lady’s Chapel—to the left of the high altar: Mary kneels in prayer, and the Archangel Gabriel appears before her: and a small white dove can be seen descending upon Mary: the power of the Holy Spirit, by Whom Mary will conceive the savior in her womb.

Here’s Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, and he begins his narrative the moment after the Archangel invites Mary to be the Mother of God. The narrator is YOUR heart, beating more excitedly, hoping Mary will say “yes”:

“You have heard, Virgin Mary, that you are to conceive and bear a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits your answer, for he must now return to God who sent him. We too await your merciful word, Lady, for we are the wretches whom condemnation threatens. The price of our salvation is offered to you, and if you consent then we shall at once be freed. We were all created in God’s Eternal Word, yet now we are doomed to death because of Adam’s sin; in your short answer we shall be remade and summoned back to life.

“Adam and Eve stand here weeping with their poor exiled children and await your answer; Abraham is here and David and all the holy patriarchs who are your fathers but dwell now in the valley of death’s shadow. The whole world is prostrate at your feet and waiting. What else can they do, since on your words depend the consolation of the wretched, the liberation of prisoners, the rescue of the condemned, and, in a word, the salvation of all Adam’s children of your whole race?

“Answer quickly, then, Virgin. Answer the angel and the Lord he represents. Give your word and receive the Eternal Word [The Eternal Son of God]; speak the word that passes and embrace the Word who abides forever!

“Why the delay and the trembling? Believe, confess, receive. Virginal simplicity must not forget wisdom. Fear not to be presumptuous, for though silent modesty is pleasing, your words of dedication are more needed now.

“Blessed Virgin, open your heart to faith, your lips to the praise of the Lord, your body to your Creator. The One for whom the nations yearn is knocking at the door. Delay, and he will pass by, and you shall begin again in sorrow to seek Him whom your heart loves. Rise up, run, open!

“She answers: ‘Behold the Lord’s servant. Do with me as you say.’” [In Praise of the Virgin Mary, Sermon 4, 8-9]

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Pope Saint Leo the Great [pope 440-461] also wrote clarifying the great mystery of God’s love seen in the Christmas mystery of God becoming a man:

“It is not enough to say that Our Lord, Son of the Virgin Mary, is true and perfect man; we must also believe that He is, as the Gospels tell us, a man of very specific human lineage. . . To accomplish the mystery of our reconciliation with God, the Holy Spirit had to come upon the Virgin and the power of the Most High had to overshadow her so that Wisdom [The Eternal Son of God] might become flesh. The estate of God and the estate of a servant had to be united in one person, and the Creator of time had to be born within time; He through whom all things have their being had to be begotten as a man amid all these things.

“Unless a new man, formed ‘in the likeness of sinful flesh,’ took our broken nature upon Himself and condescended, while consubstantial with the Father, to be consubstantial with us as well, and, as the only sinless man, to make our human nature His own, mankind would have remained enslaved to Satan. Nor would His triumphal victory profit us if He did not share our human condition. “Through this wonderful sharing, the mystery of regeneration has been accomplished, for the Spirit whose power gave Christ a human conception and birth has given spiritual rebirth to us.” [Letter 31, 2-3]

Let’s use this last week before Christmas to prepare ourselves to celebrate worthily this great mystery of God’s love for us. Go to Confession! Let’s remove all those bad choices and actions we have performed that block God’s love for us by receiving the one sacrament Jesus created for us that is the normative means of receiving God’s forgiveness of sins. This is the reason why God became Man in the womb of the Virgin Mary: to forgive our sins, that we might turn from evil and love God truly in our daily lives. We hear Confessions every day of the week before all Masses, so prepare well.
—Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Herman Schneider, Chris Seely, Frank Monaghan, Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Sandra Mayfield, Lily Ann O’Connell, Titina Tarantino, Richard Ridge, Mario Stano, Mark Ferris, Marie Maddox, Terry Cooke, Stacey, Kathleen Nichols, Rev. Carlos Antonio Mesa, Corrie Evans, Shirly Mailhot, Roledonne Samedi.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Charles Harman, Bill Wiles, Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna, Brian Bill, Olga Rich, Morris Smith, Sr. Elizabeth Hart, R.S.M., Margaret Mary Cycon, Mildred J. Fiore, Tana Sibilio, Dr. Bela Szele, Audrey Reda, Helen Pataky, William Kilcoyne, Jr., Giuseppina Docimo, Adelaide Velanzano, Aura Piedra, Jeanne & Andy Robustelli, Mary Ferrara, Genoveffa Melchionno, Cynthia Callahan, Teresa Angelini, Natale Sposato, Joseph George Terenzio.

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

Christmas Schedule:
MASSES:
Sat: Dec 24: 4 pm Christmas Vigil Mass;
Sun.Dec 25: MIDNIGHT MASS [at midnight!];
7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. [Latin Mass];
10:00; 12 noon [Choral Mass]; NO 5 pm Mass;
6 pm [Creole]
CONFESSIONS:
Sat, Dec 24: 3-4 pm;
Sun, Dec 25: 7-7:30 am; 9:30-10am; 11:30-12 noon.

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the church. Next Holy Hour: December 19th at 7:30 p.m.

Salus Populi Romani Icon Votive Memorial. . . In memory of Virginia Gutierrez req. R. Mastracchio.

Saint Peter Votive Light Memorial. . . The left votive is for Special Intentions Ann and Jo and the right votive is in memory of the deceased members of the DeRosa, Capobianco Families and Edwin Clark req. Joan and John Kronk.

Our Lady’s Altar Votive Light Memorial. . . In memory of the deceased members of the Giannitti Family.

St. Joseph Votive Light Memorial . . . Special Intentions Giannitti Family.

Memorial Votive Lights . . . The votive lights at the shrine of Saint Peter, Our Lady, St. Joseph, or at the icon of Mary Protectress of the Roman People, may be memorialized each week for the intention or in memory of a loved one, for a donation of $20.00 per candle, per week. Please call Cindy at 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

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

New Study Group. . . Some people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. So, let’s try it again!! Anyone interested, please call Cindy in the parish office [203-324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name, phone, email. As always, there is no charge for these courses.

Biblical Greek Study Group. . .Thursdays: 6:30 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Repainting the Church. . . $600,600.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. I ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month, or $25. per week, or $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, help.

Painting. . . While the basilica is being painted, all weekday Masses INCLUDING FUNERALS will be in the hall.

Sunday December 11, 2011 $ 13,003.41
Sunday December 12, 2010 $ 12,418.89
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftover
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

December 25th Sunday Readings: Is 62:1-5; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 or Mt 1:18-25.

Latin Mass. . . Fr. Cyprian LaPastina offers the Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. here at Saint John’s. The next Latin Mass is Tuesday, December 20th.

Children’s Choir. . . Anmarie and Tom Galgano are our music directors for the 10 a.m. Mass and Children’s Choir this year. Any parent whose child or children might be interested in joining the Children’s Choir to sing during each Sunday 10 a.m. Mass, please call the rectory, and leave your name, your child’s name, age and your phone number with Cindy: 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: January 12th in the Rectory

Project Rachel Ministry. . . offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. We invite you to come back to God who is love and mercy. Info. (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

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

St. Gabriel Church—First Saturday Devotions. . . Saint Gabriel Parish will celebrate the First Saturday Devotions in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  On the First Saturday of each month Confessions will be heard from 9:30 to 10 AM, followed by Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, Rosary and Benediction.  All are welcome.

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: Monday, January 23rd.

Saint Monica Patristic Institute. . . Will next meet on the Wednesdays of January: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25, starting at 7:30 pm in the rectory. Our topic in January will be the theology of Origen, led by Father Michael Novajoski, parochial vicar of St. Jude Parish, Monroe. There is no charge; classes are 1 hour, and all the texts are in English translations. You’ll love this stuff! Everyone is welcome.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . .The St. Maria Goretti Society will meet this Sunday, December 18th after the 10am Mass in the Rectory.

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . The St. Dominic Savio Society will meet this Sunday, December 18th after the 12pm Mass in the Rectory.

Tutoring. . . Could your child benefit from after school or weekend tutoring? Fathers Audette, Walsh and I were speaking about this the other day, and wondered if the parish should begin a free tutorial program for school children of the parish, to lend them a hand in reading, writing and arithmetic. My question is: are there parishioners who would like an after-school tutorial program for your child here at St. John’s? If there is any interest, please let me know: 203-324-1553, ext 11, and we can discuss details and ideas. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, December 17, 2011
4:00 +John Maloney req. wife Mary
Sunday, December 18, 2011
7:30 Special Intentions Terenzio and Longo family
8:30 Special Intentions Marion Morris req. Mildred and Joan Beirne
10:00 +Randolph Samedi req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:00 +Katherine Dziezyc req. Marion Morris and Family
5:00 +Louise and Arthur Thiel
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, December 19, 2011
8:00 +Fausta Fernandez req. the Borromeo Family
12:10 St. John’s Priests req. St. John’s Home School Group
Tuesday, December20, 2011
8:00 +Frank Guida req. Sandra and Roy Klemm
12:10 Special Intentions Pedario Lauture req. Ferry G.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
8:00 +Archille & Micilia Paulemon req. Montanise Paulemon
12:10 +Paul Livornese req. Sandra and Roy Klemm
Thursday, December 22, 2011
8:00 In Honor of the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael req. Josephine Languedoc
12:10 +John T. Hoops req. the Banahans
Friday, December 23, 2011
8:00 +Arthur Thiel req. the McAleer family
12:10 +Helen T. Duffy req. the Duffy family
Saturday, December 24, 2011
8:00 +Brian Mulhern req. Margie, Brian, Ernie and Mark Mulhern
12:10 +Jayson Jarrett req. Norma Jarrett

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22. The next meeting will be held this Sunday, December 18th after the 12pm Mass in the Rectory.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074. The next meeting will be held this Sunday, December 18th after the 10am Mass in the Rectory.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

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

St. John’s in THE NEWS:

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
150 years ago, or so:
December 25, 1863: Church Services. “In the Roman Catholic Church there will be Mass at quarter to six A.M., and the usual Christmas services at 11.”

The CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC:
135 years ago, or so:
December 23, 1876: CATHEDRAL BUILDING FUND. “The following are the names of persons contributing to the building fund of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, as far as received from the various parishes by the Bishop’s Secretary. The publication of the list will be continued from week to week as the returns are received: St. John’s, Stamford..$382.47.”

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
70 years ago, or so:
December 20, 1941: Local Churches Help to Spread Christmas Cheer. “Despite many demands on every one’s time and energy and generosity through the pressing needs at home and abroad, Christmas is being made more cheery in this community by the quiet and extensive contributions of the churches to their parish members and others. In many instances the family receives a Christmas dinner, complete with a turkey and all the trimmings and groceries enough to last much beyond the one day. Sometimes a gift of money is made, for the family to choose its own dinner. In addition, clothing is frequently added. The Community chest or the Family and Children’s Welfare is notified of these donations so that duplication will not occur. Christmas dinners and clothing are distributed at St. John’s Catholic Church through St. Anne’s Ladies Aid Society, which has been carrying on the work ever since it was organized more than 45 years ago during the pastorate of Rev. William H. Rogers.”

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
50 years ago, or so:
December 22, 1962: Christmas Services. In response to its notices, the Advocate has received the following listings of services in time for publication: St. John’s-A Solemn High Mass will be celebrated at midnight in the upper church only. The senior choir under the direction of Choir-master James Duffy will sing “The Mass of the Shepherds” by Pietro Yon in four parts. The organist of St. John’s Church is Mrs. Mary Gaudio. Corral singing and Christmas music will begin at 11:30 p.m. preceding the Midnight Mass.”

Christmas Reflections…
Fr. Terry Walsh

Like the sun in the morning sky, the Savior of the world will dawn; like the rain on the meadows he will descend to rest in the womb of the Virgin, alleluia. (A Morning Antiphon)

Each day the “Prayer of the Church,” also known as The Liturgy of the Hours or The Divine Office, is prayed by Priests, Deacons, Religious, and many lay people around the world. Among the 7 times “the Office” is prayed throughout the various ‘hours’ of the day, Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer each include particular “Canticles” that are taken from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1. Night Prayer, the last of the 7 ‘prayers’ for the day, also includes a Gospel Canticle from St. Luke. These three canticles (poetic songs) each celebrate with great joy the love and mercy of God. They each sing of the wonder of God coming to our rescue through the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Birth, and finally, the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple to God the Father for the Salvation of all who hear His voice and follow Him.

After the three Psalms in Morning Prayer have been prayed and a brief Reading and Responsory have been offered, we sing an Antiphon that offers us a meditative point to bear in mind both before and after we pray the “Canticle of Zechariah” (Luke 1: 68-79). We sing the “Canticle of Zechariah” every day of the year. Perhaps you might like to reflect on these verses of Scripture as a source of meditation throughout this Christmas Season (which, incidentally, lasts until the Baptism of our Lord. These three Canticles are indeed beautiful Hymns of mercy, love, and remembrance. The Canticle of Zechariah begins: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a might Savior, born of the house of his servant David….”

Likewise, at Evening Prayer, we begin and end “The Canticle of Mary” each day with an antiphon that celebrates some particular aspect of our Faith that offers us a different point of wonder and awe to reflect upon. “The Canticle of Mary,” perhaps better known as “The Magnificat,” is found in Luke 1: 46-55. It begins: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” and it concludes, “…He has come to the help of His servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy….”

Finally, Night Prayer includes the Gospel Canticle of the prophet Simeon found in Luke 2: 29-32. Simeon says: “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”
These three Canticles are prayed every single day of the year – every morning, evening, and night! We are offering thanks and praise to God every day for the miracle of Christmas – the miracle of God taking upon Himself our lowly and wounded human nature in order to heal and restore us to the dignity He created us to have. As we reflect upon the wonder of His love each day, may we offer Him fitting thanks and praise.

Pastor’s Corner. . . Last weekend, a band of parish bakers succeeded in bringing smiles to many other parishioners by their baked goods, sweets and homemade pasta. Their generous baking and cooking efforts, on sale during last weekend’s parish bake sale, realized $2,150.00, which will be put to good use to help in the repainting of the basilica interior. Here are the names of those who spent so much time and talent to make the bake sale a great success:
Led by Tracy Banahan and Noreen DeSoye, who did so much of the leg work, reaching out to our parishioners to secure their help and talents, and organizing the entire bake sale. Tracy and Noreen were the muses and driving forces leading the generous bakers, and I am truly grateful to them. Their assistants and bakers [in alphabetical order] were: Mirella Badetti, Maureen Carpaniello, Beth & Frank Carpanzano, Mary Jean Dalmolin, Lisa D’Acunto, Judy DeFelice, Linda DeMott, Sue and Sue DePreta, Kathleen Dineen, Juanita Evans, Rosa Federici, Angela Gianitti, Paul Hughes, Di Jackson, Janet Lancaster, Angela Marchetti, Jennifer Marchetti, Maria Marchetti [who made and donated the pasta], Jennifer Marciano, Keiko Martelli, Scholastica Nabwire, Janemarie Raiteri, Pam Rittman, Larry Smith, Kathy Tafuro, and Eileen Tarleton.
Hopefully, I have forgotten no one. But, if I have, please accept my thanks and apologies: my mind is slowly going, don’t you know! To all who had any role to play in our annual bake sale: THANK YOU!!
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Christmas is a mere two weeks away: and, on a Sunday, to boot. To prepare for the anniversary celebration of the Incarnation [God becoming a man], here are two brief reflections on this great entrance of God into human history in order to share His eternal life with us. Unknowable, un-seeable, as pure spirit, and unapproachable, God now becomes knowable and visible in the human form He took in the womb of the Virgin Mary:

“God’s Son, existing before time, invisible, bodiless, light flowing from light, fountain of immortal life, expression of the archetypal Godhead, God’s perfect image—God’s Son bestows Himself on His images [us], becomes flesh for the sake of mankind’s flesh, and takes a rational soul for the sake of our soul, so that like may cleanse like; in a word, He takes to Himself all that is human except sin. He who enriches others becomes poor, for He suffers the poverty of my fleshly condition so that I may win the riches of His Divine life. He who is full is emptied, for His glory is hidden a brief while as a man, so that I may become a sharer in His divine fullness.
“What are these riches of God’s goodness? What is this mystery which relates to me? I had received the divine image but threw it away by my sins. He takes my flesh in order to bring salvation tome, His image, and immortality to my flesh; He thus enters into a new fellowship with each of us, far more marvelous than the first, with Adam and Eve. Through the manhood He made His own, God sanctifies mankind. He would overcome the tyrant, Satan, by force, He would liberate us and bring us back to Himself through His Son, the Mediator between God and humankind. The Good Shepherd, therefore, came to the straying sheep, found us, set us on His shoulders that bore the Cross, and bore us into eternal life.
“God had to become man and to die that we might live. We died with Him in Baptism in order to be cleansed of Adam’s sin; we rose with Him because we had died to sin with Him; we are glorified with Him because we have risen with Him” [St. Gregory Nazianzen, Sermon 45].
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“Poor mortal, set aside awhile your occupations and hide from your tumultuous thoughts. Put off the burden of care and postpone your busy toil. Attend to God and rest awhile in Him. Enter the inner room of your mind; cast out all but God and what helps you look for Him; close the door and seek God. Say to God, my heart: ‘I see your face.’ And do you, Lord, my God, teach my heart where and how to seek, where and how to find You.
“Lord, if you are not here, where shall I seek your absent self? And if you are everywhere, why do I not see you present, now? You dwell in inaccessible light? Indeed, but where is it, and how shall I approach the unapproachable? Who shall guide me and lead me into that light that I may see you in it? What signs shall help me find you? For I have never seen you, Lord God, and do not know your face.
“Exalted Lord, what is this wretched person, exiled from you, to do? Your servant tormented by love of you but banished far from you? I yearn to see you, but your face is too far off. I want to approach you, but your dwelling is unapproachable; to find you, but I do not know where you are; to seek you, but I do not know your face. For, though you are my Lord and my God, I have never seen you. You made me in your image and likeness, and re-made me through your Son and gave me all I have, but I have never known you. I am made to see you, but I have never yet done what I was made to do.
“Look upon us, Lord, enlighten us and show us yourself. Have pity on our toilsome efforts to seek you, for we are powerless without you. Teach me to seek you, and show yourself to this seeker, for I cannot seek you unless you teach me how, nor find you unless you show yourself. Let me seek you with great desire, and desire you as I seek; find you by love, and love you when I find you” [St. Anselm, Proslogion, ch. 1]
We find the Father in His Son, who, although existing for all eternity, makes God visible to us in the flesh, by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, as Saint John wrote, “we have seen Him with our eyes, and touched Him with our hands, and heard Him with our ears.” The unknowable, invisible God became visible in Bethlehem, as one like us, so we could share His life with Him through His Church. We should all think as well of ourselves as God does of us. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Frank Monaghan, Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Sandra Mayfield, Sr. Ellen Mary Doherty, C.S.J., Lily Ann O’Connell, Thomas Mahala, Titina Tarantino, Richard Ridge, Mario Stano, Mark Ferris, Marie Maddox, Terry Cooke, Stacey, Kathleen Nichols, Rev. Carlos Antonio Mesa, Corrie Evans, Shirly Mailhot, Roledonne Samedi.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Bill Wiles, Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna, Brian Bill, Olga Rich, Morris Smith, Sr. Elizabeth Hart, R.S.M., Margaret Mary Cycon, Mildred J. Fiore, Tana Sibilio, Dr. Bela Szele, Audrey Reda, Helen Pataky, William Kilcoyne, Jr., Giuseppina Docimo, Adelaide Velanzano, Aura Piedra, Jeanne & Andy Robustelli, Mary Ferrara, Genoveffa Melchionno, Cynthia Callahan, Teresa Angelini, Natale Sposato, Joseph George Terenzio.

Retirement Fund for Religious Collection . . . Please drop your Retirement Fund for Religious envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory. There will only be one collection today.

ST. ANNE’S SOCIETY REMINDER. . .THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11th ST. ANNE’S SOCIETY WILL MEET IN THE CHURCH HALL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 5:00 pm THE MASS. DR. JOAN KELLY WILL BE RETURNING — ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

CONSTRUCTION. . . Continues on the walkway between the church & rectory. Please DO NOT walk on the walkway during construction: IT IS DANGEROUS!! Sorry for any inconvenience.

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the church. Next Holy Hour: December 12th at 7 p.m.

Memorial Votive Lights . . . The votive lights at the shrine of Saint Peter, Our Lady, St. Joseph, or at the icon of Mary Protectress of the Roman People, may be memorialized each week for the intention or in memory of a loved one, for a donation of $20.00 per candle, per week. Please call Cindy at 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

Salus Populi Romani Icon Votive Memorial. . . Special Intentions req. R. Mastracchio.

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

New Study Group. . . Many people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. So, let’s try it again!! Anyone interested, please call Cindy in the parish office [203-324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name, phone, email, and we’ll see if we can organize new groups to begin in January. As always, there is no charge for these courses, other than the purchase of books.

Biblical Greek Study Group. . .Thursdays: 6:30 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Repainting the Church. . . $600,060.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. I ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month, or $25. per week, or $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, help.

Christmas Schedule:
MASSES: Sat: Dec 24: 4 pm Christmas Vigil Mass;
Sun.Dec 25: MIDNIGHT MASS [at midnight!];
7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. [Latin Mass];
10:00; 12 noon [Choral Mass]; NO 5 pm Mass;
6 pm [Creole]
CONFESSIONS: Sat, Dec 24: 3-4 pm;
Sun, Dec 25: 7-7:30 am; 9:30-10am; 11:30-12 noon.

Sunday December 4, 2011 $ 13,497.96
Sunday December 5, 2010 $ 10,278.62
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

December 18th Sunday Readings: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38.

Latin Mass. . . Fr. Cyprian LaPastina offers the Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. here at Saint John’s. The next Latin Mass is Tuesday, December 13th.

Children’s Choir. . . Anmarie and Tom Galgano are our new music directors for the 10 a.m. Mass and Children’s Choir this year. Any parent whose child or children might be interested in joining the Children’s Choir to sing during each Sunday 10 a.m. Mass, please call the rectory, and leave your name, your child’s name, age and your phone number with Cindy: 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: This Thursday, DECEMBER 15th in the Rectory

Project Rachel Ministry. . . offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. We invite you to come back to God who is love and mercy. Info. (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

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

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

St. Gabriel Church—First Saturday Devotions. . . Saint Gabriel Parish will celebrate the First Saturday Devotions in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  On the First Saturday of each month Confessions will be heard from 9:30 to 10 AM, followed by Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, Rosary and Benediction.  All are welcome.

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: Monday, January 23rd.

Saint Monica Patristic Institute. . . Will next meet on the Wednesdays of January: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25, starting at 7:30 pm in the rectory. Our topic in January will be the theology of Origen, led by Father Michael Novajoski, parochial vicar of St. Jude Parish, Monroe. There is no charge; classes are 1 hour, and all the texts are in English translations. You’ll love this stuff! Everyone is welcome.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . .The next St. Maria Goretti Society meeting will be held on Sunday, December 18th after the 10am Mass in the Rectory.

Tutoring. . . Could your child benefit from after school or weekend tutoring? Fathers Audette, Walsh and I were speaking about this the other day, and wondered if we should begin a free tutorial program for school children of the parish, to lend them a hand in reading, writing and arithmetic. My question is: are there parishioners who would like an after-school tutorial program for your child here at St. John’s? If there is any interest, please let me know: 203-324-1553, ext 11, and we can discuss details and ideas. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Mass Intentions+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, December 10, 2011
4:00 +Members of DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco Families and Edwin Clark req. Joan and John Kronk
Sunday, December 11, 2011
7:30 All Souls in Purgatory req. Josephine Languedoc
8:30 Special Intentions Phillip Pizzuti Family req. Louise Munro
10:00 +Liset Santos req. Betsy Allyn
12:00 +William Borkowski req. Michael and Ann Borkowski
5:00 +Louise and Arthur Thiel
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, December 12, 2011
8:00 Souls in Purgatory req. John Marciano
12:10 For the unborn req. Morris and Sagdati Families
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
8:00 +Sr. Marguerite Hetu req. Montanise Paulemon
12:10 +Donald John Cavaliero req. John Paul and Angela Marchetti
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
8:00 +Joseph Iantorno req. Frank and Beth Carpanzano
12:10 +Gabriel Caillot & Gaeton Valceus req. Ferry G.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
8:00 +Rose Donahue req. Marie Carr
12:10 +James Bosilevas req. Rose Annis
Friday, December 16, 2011
8:00 +Viergelie Paulemon req. Montanise Paulemon
12:10 Special Intentions Rose Santos req. Diane Strain
Saturday, December 17, 2011
8:00 +Hope and Joseph McAleer req. McAleer Family
12:10 +Members DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco Families and Edwin Clark req. Joan and John Kronk

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074. The next meeting will be held on Sunday, December 18th after the 10am Mass in the Rectory.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

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

St. John’s in THE NEWS:
The CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC:
120 years ago, or so:
December 16, 1893: Stamford. “A sociable and dance under the auspices of St. Anne’s Aid society will be given for benefit of the worthy poor of Stamford at the town hall on Wednesday evening, January 3, 1894. The admission is only twenty-five cents and as the proceeds are for such a worthy cause it will no doubt be well patronized by the public. This society has a membership of two hundred and fifty young ladies banded together for the purpose of diminishing the suffering of the needy poor of the parish under the supervision of two Sisters of Mercy. They meet every Friday evening in the basement of the church for the purpose of sewing and they make many useful articles which they distribute among the worthy poor of the parish.”

The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
50 years ago, or so:
December 18, 1961: Pope To Announce Council Date Dec. 25. “The opening date of the Roman Catholic Church’s forthcoming ecumenical council, the first in nearly 100 years—will be announced on Christmas Day. The Vatican press office said today a pontifical bull announcing the opening of the council will be read in St. Peter’s Christmas morning. The ecumenical council is expected to start in about a year. Pope John XXIII has frequently referred to it as one of the most important, if not the most important, event of his reign.”

10 years ago, or so:
December 15, 2001: Theology on Tap features talk on ‘power of the keys’. “The Rev. Paul Scalia traveled from his parish in Fredericksburg, Va., to the Temple Bar this week to kick back, drink some Guinness and debate Catholicism’s platform on papal infallibility. Speaking to a full house at the monthly “Theology on Tap” series, sponsored by St. John the Evangelist Church in Stamford, Scalia explained that the pope’s infallibility does not extend to all areas. “He can’t speak infallibly on the weather or sports or anything of the sort,” Scalia said. For the Roman Catholic faith, the pope’s infallibility is based on Matthew 16:17-19, where the Apostle Peter was declared the first pope by Jesus Christ. “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven,” said the Rev. Stephen DiGiovanni, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church, quoting Christ. Called the “power of the keys,” DiGiovanni said, this passage assures that the church will never fall into error.”

The “Universal Call to Holiness”
(Revisited)
-Fr. Terry Walsh
On the very first page of the Bible we hear the extraordinary words: “Let us create man in our image, after our likeness.” God created us in His image; we have been given the ability to think and choose and we have an immortal soul. He likewise created us in His likeness, that is, he created us to be holy. Adam’s disobedience left humanity scarred with the stain of sin; yet, our Redeemer Jesus Christ came to heal us and restore us to the State of Grace so that we could once again be holy—if we choose to open our hearts and souls to His grace. The Church teaches: “At the Baptism of our Lord, ‘the Heavens were opened’ – the heavens that Adam’s sin had closed – and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Spirit, a prelude to the New Creation”(Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 536). At our own Baptism, ‘we followed Christ down into the water’ and we were forever marked with the sign of faith – we became a dwelling place for the Holy Trinity. At that moment, we became children of the Light, and so, we’re expected to be His light – that is – to imitate Christ. And how do we accomplish this? How are we to imitate Christ? Well, in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says: “Be Perfect.” He calls us to strive toward Perfection. That is our life’s journey. When we fall down, we are called to get up and try again. Through our persistent effort to overcome sin through the ‘habit of virtue, the habit of grace’ we will gradually, bit by bit, root out the darkness and bask in the Light, Jesus Himself. We are called to become holy: to be perfect in Love. Similarly, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells us: “Be merciful.” And so, to accomplish the goal of holiness we must live the Gospel, or as St. Francis DeSales says: “Live Jesus!” Our Lord calls us to imitate what He does in the Gospels: “Follow me.” In order to fulfill this command, we must first recognize our imperfections and the occasions we have not shown mercy and offer these to the Lord so that He may heal us. Then, we’ll be operating with His Grace – His Strength – and we’ll be able to diffuse His light throughout the world, preaching the Gospel by all that we think and say and do.
As we meditate on the Mystery of the Eucharist, let us contemplate our Lord’s words, “Be Perfect” and “Be Merciful.” In light of His Humility, let us consider His Perfection, His Mercy, coming to our rescue, culminating in the One Perfect Sacrifice upon Calvary where He offers Himself for our salvation. He comes to us everyday, Sacramentally, most profoundly through the Eucharist. St. Bernard he wrote about ‘The 3 Comings of Christ’ – 2 visible and 1 invisible. “In his 1st coming our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming he comes in spirit and in power; in the final coming he will be seen in glory and majesty. In the first, Christ was our redemption; in the last, he will appear as our life; in this middle coming, he is our rest and consolation…. listen to what our Lord Himself says: ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to Him’…. and, St. Bernard concludes, ‘your soul will delight in its richness’.”
Gaze upon our Merciful Lord on the Cross and see Perfect Love flowing from Him. Our patron, St. John, writes: “…but when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water”(Jn 19: 33-34). Blood and water poured out of the Body of our Crucified Lord – as the Saints point out, the beginning of the Sacramental Life of the Church: the Blood of the Eucharist, the cleansing waters of Baptism. Consider, too, the Glorified image of our Resurrected Lord – the Image of Divine Mercy – with Rays of Red and White Light emanating from the wound of His Most Sacred Heart – left there by the soldier’s lance. Now, streams of radiant light pour out from that pierced heart – washing over all in His Presence, converting the hearts of all who seek to imitate Him in Mercy and Love. It’s good for us to consider the cost of so great a sacrifice.
What an indescribable Mystery of perfect love and mercy: God entered the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary and took upon Himself – through Mary – our human nature. He was born into the world for our sakes. And now, he enters into a tiny piece of bread in a mysterious way so that He may be born into our souls and nourish and strengthen us in love. We, like Mary, become “living tabernacles.” He calls us to imitate Him – to love God with our whole heart and mind and soul and strength – to love our neighbor as ourselves. He even calls us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors, just as He did – to be merciful and forgive those who sin against us. May our response echo His Heart of love:
“My heart is ready, O God, / My heart is ready. /I will sing, I will sing your praise. / Awake, my soul, awake lyre and harp, / I will awake the dawn!
THIS SUNDAY DECEMBER 11th ST. ANNE’S SOCIETY WILL MEET IN THE CHURCH HALL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 5:00 pm . JOAN KELLY WILL BE RETURNING — ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

Pastor’s Corner. . . Thursday, December 8th, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast day of the United States. At the end of the Sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore in 1846, the American Bishops decreed our nation should be placed under the protection of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The American Bishops did this as their sign of support for Blessed Pope Pius IX in his efforts to define the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. But there was more than the 19th century American bishops being “politically correct” by supporting the pope. They earnestly desired to place the growing nation under the protection of Our Lady: since it was Mary whose obedience had united God to humankind in her womb, and under whose tutelage and protection was placed the salvation of the world, in the Person of Her Divine Son, Mary would prove the perfect spiritual mother for our nation. The pope desired to define formally this ancient belief of the faithful: that, while Saints Joachim and Anne had normal sexual relations as husband and wife in order that Anne might conceive, as promised her by an angel, it was God’s grace that preserved Mary from the effects of Adam’s Original Sin, from the moment she was conceived in her mother’s womb. This Original Sin is that with which each human being is born, the effects of which are our tendency to want to sin, and our deaths.

Why would the pope so desire to define this belief in the middle of the 19th century? Because Pope Pius IX understood quite clearly that the society was developing in a way that would urge the world to forget God in favor of “progress”, while re-defining the human person: in 1848 Karl Marx had published his Communist Manifesto, which would blossom 50 years later in the Russian Revolution and the horrors of Communism; the Industrial Revolution was in full swing, and would soon enslave millions around the world in the grip of grinding poverty and endless work; Prussia, France and England were developing exclusive, excessive nationalistic loyalties, with massive armies and military industries that would lead to two world wars. In all these movements, early in their development by the mid-19th century, the only European world leader who understood that men and women were being re-defined as worthy of life by their productivity in industry, their usefulness to a political party, loyalty to the state, their nationality or their race.

Pius saw his task as the one leader whose teachings would gain him nothing personally. He taught simply to remind humanity about who we are: our dignity and right to exist comes from our being created in the Image and Likeness of God, redeemed by God’s Eternal Son-made-man in the womb of the Virgin Mary.

So, in 1854, backed by the Catholic bishops and faithful from around the globe, Blessed Pope Pius IX showed the world the power of the Catholic Church by formally reminding the world that nothing is more important in the world than God; and that nothing is more important to God than us.

Our Lady is the most perfect example of a human being, prepared by God from eternity to be the Mother of God: she didn’t create God, who exists from all eternity. But she gave to the Eternal and unseen God a human mind, heart, soul, will and body: the ever-existing God entered into human history and became man in the womb of Mary, in order to free us from sin and death. One of the most beautiful reflections of this is a homily given by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, whose writings form part of the Church’s teachings about Our Lady and Her Immaculate Conception:

“It befitted God to be born of none but a virgin, and it befitted the virgin that having borne God she should bear no other. The Creator of men, in becoming himself a man, had to choose, indeed even form, the kind of mother he knew befitted him and knew would please him. Therefore, he wanted her to be a virgin so that from a spotless one he, the Spotless One, might come forth to cleans away the sins of all mankind.

He wanted her to be humble from whom he, as the m an meek and humble of heart, would be born; he wanted her to give a salutary example of all the virtues. Therefore he made the Virgin conceive, for she earlier offered her vow of virginity to him but had also won the merit of humility.

These were the glorious jewels of mind and body that adorned the royal Virgin. Her beauty was known in heaven, whose citizens gazed on her with admiration; she attracted the eyes of the King to herself and few down a heavenly messenger to greet her.

The angel was sent to a virgin’: a virgin in flesh and spirit, a virgin by deliberate intention, a virgin such as the Apostle Saint Paul describes, holy in mind and body. The Lord did not stumble on her by accident but chose her from eternity; the Most High prepared her, the angels preserved her, the fathers pointed her out, the prophets promised her coming” [Sermon II, In Praise of the Virgin Mary].

And why did the pope accede to the American bishops’ desire that Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception should be the patroness of America? Because the pope had great hopes for the United States as the only nation under whose laws and freedoms the Catholic Church might prosper and grow. And he was right: in all European countries, throughout Asia, and in nearly all the countries of Central and South America, the Catholic Church was persecuted throughout the 19th and 20th centuries: Catholic schools, universities and churches closed, all church property seized, clergy and sisters imprisoned, killed and forbidden to wear clerical dress publicly. It is the same reason Blessed Pope Pius IX blessed the efforts of American bishops to build churches and schools for the millions of immigrant Catholics arriving in the United States, such as our own basilica, established as an independent parish in 1854—the same year of the definition of the Immaculate Conception; and the same reason that blessed pope established the American seminary in Rome in 1859. Nourish America, because it understands humanity’s need for freedom to worship God.

On December 8th, let us recall Our Lady’s faith and virtues, and the fact that a pope gave her to us Americans as our patroness and guide to remind us Americans—nothing is more important than God; and nothing is more important to God than us, through His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick. . . Eva Grace Kelly, John Murray, Billy Therriault, Megan Bobroske, Connie Ward, Corrine Mattson, Mary D’Arco, Anthony Sansone, Tessie Mulhern, Gary Everett, Margie Joyce, Tonin Gjepaj, Monica Dewey, Sandra Mayfield, Sr. Ellen Mary Doherty, C.S.J., Lily Ann O’Connell, Thomas Mahala, Titina Tarantino, Richard Ridge, Mario Stano, Mark Ferris, Marie Maddox, Terry Cooke, Stacey, Kathleen Nichols, Rev. Carlos Antonio Mesa, Corrie Evans, Shirly Mailhot, Roledonne Samedi.

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Carmen Candelaria, Gregory E. Mazza, Vincent Sharkey, Sr., Madre Perpetua, Madeleine Charlotin, Louis Servideo, Gladys Brzoska, David Squires, Tom Potts, William Shanley, Jimmy O’Connor, Andrea Pavia, Rocco Buzzio, Vera Benna, Brian Bill, Olga Rich, Morris Smith, Sr. Elizabeth Hart, R.S.M., Margaret Mary Cycon, Mildred J. Fiore, Tana Sibilio, Dr. Bela Szele, Audrey Reda, Helen Pataky, William Kilcoyne, Jr., Giuseppina Docimo, Adelaide Velanzano, Aura Piedra, Jeanne & Andy Robustelli, Mary Ferrara, Genoveffa Melchionno, Cynthia Callahan, Teresa Angelini, Natale Sposato, Joseph George Terenzio.

Advent Parish Retreat. . . Monday, December 5th, Tuesday, Dec. 6th, Wednesday, Dec. 7th: 7:30 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.: Spiritual Conference by the priests of the parish, adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary and Benediction. Confessions will be heard each evening for the entire hour. All are welcome—including your children. Come prepare for Christmas by joining the parish in prayer & adoration, and by going to Confession.

Holy Day of Obligation. . . Thursday, December 8th: The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: The Vigil Mass will be offered on Wednesday, December 7th at 5:15 pm and Masses on December 8th: 8 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Walkway Construction. . .While the walkway between the church and the rectory is under construction, the side entrance is CLOSED. Please excuse the inconvenience.

Salus Populi Romani Icon Votive Memorial. . .In memory of Flerida Gutierrez req. R. Mastracchio.

Our Lady’s Altar Votive Light Memorial. . . Special intentions Ann and Jo.

Monday Evening Holy Hour . . . Monday nights 7-8:00 pm for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary in the church. Next Holy Hour: Part of the Advent Retreat:, December 5th at 7:30 p.m.

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

New Study Group. . . Many people have asked that we again offer basic courses in Church Latin Grammar and Biblical Greek Grammar. So, let’s try it again!! Anyone interested, please call Cindy in the parish office [203-324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name, phone, email, and we’ll see if we can organize new groups to begin in January. As always, there is no charge for these courses, other than the purchase of books.

Biblical Greek Study Group. . .Thursdays: 6:30 pm in the Rectory (reading ability required).

Repainting the Church. . . $597,860.00 is pledged towards our goal of $629,000.00. I ask everyone’s help. Each parish priest is donating $1,000.00. If each individual or household contributes $1,000, payable over 10 months, we’ll have it: that’s $100. per month, or $25. per week, or $3.57 per day for 10 months. Please, help.

ST. ANNE’S SOCIETY REMINDER. . .NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11th ST. ANNE’S SOCIETY WILL MEET IN THE CHURCH HALL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 5:00 pm THE MASS. DR. JOAN KELLY WILL BE RETURNING — ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

Sunday November 27, 2011 $ 12,036.59
Sunday November 28, 2010 $ 11,741.24
“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
—Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

December 11th Sunday Readings: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28.

Latin Mass. . . Fr. Cyprian LaPastina offers the Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. here at Saint John’s. The next Latin Mass is Tuesday, December 6th.

Children’s Choir. . . Anmarie and Tom Galgano are our new music directors for the 10 a.m. Mass and Children’s Choir this year. Any parent whose child or children might be interested in joining the Children’s Choir to sing during each Sunday 10 a.m. Mass, please call the rectory, and leave your name, your child’s name, age and your phone number with Cindy: 203-324-1553, ext. 21.

Home Schooling Families. . . A group for home schooling families meets monthly on Tuesday in the rectory. All ages are welcome. Please contact Julianne DeMarco at 203-966-3641, juliannedemarco@yahoo.com, or Janet Lancaster at 203-637-3301, jmlancaster@optonline.net.

St. John’s 20’s and 30’s: The Flock….our new young adult group, offers social and community service activities. Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the rectory. Doors open at 7:00 PM. (More info: Deirdre.Garrahan@gmail.com ). Next meeting: Thursday, DECEMBER 15th in the Rectory

Project Rachel Ministry. . . offers free and confidential help to those seeking healing after abortion. We invite you to come back to God who is love and mercy. Info. (203) 416-1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org.

Job Seekers . . . Meets the 4th Monday monthly in the rectory at 7:30pm: all are welcome. There’s no charge for these services. The group is led by Melanie Szlucha whose company, Red Inc., is a leader in helping find jobs. More info, see: www.redinc.biz or call her at 203-866-1606. Next meeting: Monday, January 23rd.

Saint Monica Patristic Institute. . . Will next meet on the Wednesdays of January: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25, starting at 7:30 pm in the rectory. Our topic in January will be the theology of Origen, led by Father Michael Novajoski, parochial vicar of St. Jude Parish, Monroe. There is no charge; classes are 1 hour, and all the texts are in English translations. You’ll love this stuff! Everyone is welcome.

Christmas Bake Sale – Recipe for Success:  Gather bakers: men, women and children of all ages, add terrific recipes for cakes, pies, breads and cookies, then throw in a bit of homemade candy and a generous serving of Homemade Pasta, add a Gingerbread House and set it all up in Monsignor Nagle Hall, ready to sell after the 4PM mass on Saturday.  The critical ingredient for this throw down-great fund raiser is YOU!  We need all of our parishioners to come on down, after the 4PM Saturday mass and following all masses on Sunday AM, concluding with the noon mass.  We need you to purchase these delicious, festively wrapped goodies so that we can raise some funds for our Basilica.  There will be plenty of good cheer to pass around so come on down! Need a recipe, have a question: call Tracy Banahan at 203-834-0284 or email her at southold6@optonline.net.

The 2nd Annual St. Maria Goretti Society Food Drive Was a Tremendous Success…Thanks to our generous parishioners and dedicated members who made it possible to donate over 75 bags of food (over 1000 lbs!) to the needy of our parish and community.  What a beautiful gift of time and effort offered to our Lord by the girls who sorted, packed, and delivered the food.  The support from everyone involved was overwhelming and most appreciated, especially at this blessed time of Thanksgiving!

Mass Intentions
+ Denotes Deceased
Saturday, December 3, 2011
4:00 +John and Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Sexton Young
Sunday, December 4, 2011
7:30 +Reynaldo Ramon Espinosa req. Celia M. Batan
8:30 +Iolonda Caminiti req. Marion, Bill, Richard Morris, Jimmy & Michelle Sagdati
10:00 +Carrie Stuart req. David Lancaster
12:00 +Tom Pingue req. Antonio and Maria Marchetti
5:00 +Louise and Arthur Thiel
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, December 5, 2011
8:00 People of the Parish
12:10 In Honor of the Infant Prague req. Marie J. Mathias
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
8:00 +Margaret Timon req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Julius Sebestyen family req. family
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
8:00 +Justine and Charite Paulemon req. Montanise Paulemon
12:10 +Harold John Frost req. daughter Kim Frost
5:15 +St. Jean Francis Regis req. Josephine Languedoc
Thursday, December 8, 2011
8:00 +Virginia and Eileen Carr req. Marie Carr
12:10 For the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary req. Ferry G.
5:15 Special Intention Josie Languedoc req. Diane Strain
Friday, December 9, 2011
8:00 In Honor of St. Rita req. Marie J. Mathias
12:10 Special Intention Mary Rose Garych and family req. Josephine Languedoc
Saturday, December 10, 2011
8:00 In Honor of St. Francis of Assisi req. Marie J. Mathias
12:10 +John Van Dereedt req. his wife

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

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

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

St. Anne’s Society . . .A family society meeting four times a year on Sundays after the 5pm mass, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and prayer, supper, and a lecture in the church hall.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young men, 8th-12th grades. Call Ferry at 203-324-1553 ext. 22.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies, 8th-12th grades. Call Beth at 203-975-0074.

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

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

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies. . .Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the rectory: Next meeting, November 2nd.

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

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . Meets Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the rectory: basic reading ability required.

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

St. John’s in THE NEWS:
55 years ago, or so:
The STAMFORD ADVOCATE:
December 6, 1954: Catholic Churches Schedule Masses For Wed. Evening. “For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church in Stamford, evening masses will be held in most of Stamford’s Catholic Churches on Wednesday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the end of the Marian Year. All of the churches will hold their regular morning masses and, with the exception of Sacred Heart Church, all will hold masses in the late afternoon or evening. Solemn High Mass with a sermon will be celebrated at Holy Name Church at 7:30 p.m., and at St. John’s at 8 p.m. High Mass with music will be celebrated at St. Benedict’s at 7:30 p.m. and at St. Clement’s at 4 p.m. Low Masses with music will be said at 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s and St. Maurice’s.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854.)

The HARTFORD COURANT:
December 8, 1954: Rites Today Mark End Of Marian Year. “Catholics around the world today celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, marking the end of the Marian Year. In many churches through the state, and in the cathedrals at Hartford, Norwich and Bridgeport, special evening masses will be sung, in addition to the regular morning masses of a Holy Day of Obligation. Bishops gave permission for the evening Masses as a climax of the Marian Year. Throughout the Roman Catholic Church, the year was dedicated to special observances honoring Mary, the mother of Christ. It marked the centennial of the papal proclamation of the Immaculate Conception. This is the dogma that proclaims that the Blessed Virgin was conceived and born free of sin. At St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a pontifical mass will be celebrated tonight at 7:30 by the Most Rev. Henry J. O’Brien, Archbishop of Hartford. It will be the first occasion for his wearing the sacred pallium since it was bestowed on him Sunday. The Rev. Walter B. Sullivan, Dominican priest from New York, who has been conducting a triduum at the cathedral, will give the sermon tonight. The Rev. John J. Byrnes, rector of St. Thomas Seminary, and the Rev. Leo Picher, spiritual director, will be deacons of honor. Seminarians from St. Thomas will assist.”

Super-abundance via Self-Emptying
(REVISITED)
-Fr. Terry Walsh

As we prepare for the Birth of our Savior into the world and into our souls, consider the Manifestation of the Divinity of Christ at the Wedding Feast in Cana (John 2: 1-11) and contemplate the relationship it has with the miracle in Bethlehem on that cold, dark night 2000 years ago. Both mysteries involve a super abundance flowing from a complete self-emptying – and ultimately pour out the Radiant Light of Jesus Christ in the hearts and minds of all who enter into these Mysteries. In order for us to have access to the Light of Christ, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity had to leave His rightful Throne of Glory and take upon Himself our lowly human nature – all out of love for us. He emptied Himself in order to bathe us in His Light in a super-abundant way. Yet, before we can receive His abundant Light, His gift of Divine Life, we too must undergo a “self-emptying” – a purification of our “inner-man” so that we might become “children of the Light.” And this illumination is beautifully demonstrated at the Marriage Feast in Cana. St. Paul speaks eloquently about this throughout his Letters, particularly the Letter to the Ephesians (See Ephesians chapter 3:14-21).

When Jesus and His disciples arrive at the scene in Cana, we notice that Mary is already there. While Mary is indeed the Great Mother of God, she is nevertheless deeply concerned about the smallest details of every single one of Her Children – that includes you and me. Just as she interceded at the Marriage Feast, so too does she intercede for us at the Throne of the Holy Trinity with a Mother’s love. Mary is intimately and mysteriously involved in our salvation won for us by her Son. Through her warm and tender love, the Blessed Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus in a dark and troubled world. It was through her humble YES and through her faithful obedience to the Father that our Lord Jesus came into the world to dispel the darkness of sin. All who come to believe in Him are baptized into His Mystical Body and receive His indescribable Light. As St. Louis De Montfort teaches: Jesus comes to us through Mary and we return to Him through Her.

Our Lord listens to His Mother with the same love and affection today as He did at that wedding so many centuries ago. St. Louis de Montfort underscores Her role: “Mary is his mystic channel, his aqueduct, through which he causes his mercies to flow gently and abundantly.” His grace flows to the married couple in Cana through Her humble plea. As faithful children of so loving a Mother, we too must listen to our Mother as she beckons us: “Do whatever He tells you!” Some have suggested that the 6 Purification Jars in the story about the Wedding at Cana (The Gospel of John chapter 2:1-12) actually represent our hearts and minds, our bodies and souls, our wills and intellects. Our hope to is fill our jars with the waters of His Divine Grace. But, here’s the catch: before we can fill the jars with His pure and refreshing water, we must first EMPTY our jars of all the impurities caked up inside them due to sin. We must clean them out by 1st humbly acknowledging our sins and allowing our Lord to purify us through Sacramental Confession. Once emptied of impurities, we’re then prepared to receive the super-abundant gift of Living Water – the Grace of Jesus Christ poured out to us from His side upon the Cross – to the brim! And, through our humble response to his grace, these refreshing waters are turned into the fine wine of Divine love. It’s all made possible through His humble self-emptying. Again, it is through the humble YES of the Virgin Mary that Jesus is born into the very world He created – and into our souls – that He created – and through His faithful children, His Light shines out to a world in darkness. Our “inner-man” is filled with Divine Life and we truly become “children of the Light.”

REMINDER: NEXT SUNDAY DECEMBER 11th ST. ANNE’S SOCIETY WILL MEET IN THE CHURCH HALL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 5:00 pm THE MASS. DR. JOAN KELLY WILL BE RETURNING — ALL ARE WELCOME!!!