Pastor’s Corner . . ---Msgr. DiGiovanni
Last week’s Around the World fundraising dinner was a magnificent success, for a variety of reasons. First, and most important for the restoration of the church bell tower, we raised $60,000, all of which—every penny—will be used to repair our ailing bell tower. The other reason why the dinner was such a superb success was that it was just a lot of fun!!!!!
Put 170 fun parishioners of Saint John’s together, along with the 20 volunteers who worked that evening to assure that all proceeded without a hitch, and all we did was have fun.
 Such a splendid parish event did not come about by spontaneous generation: there were very many people who labored for scores of hours, and who made generous donations in cash, goods and services to make the evening so wonderful. I’d like to thank just a few of them now, reserving the grand list of contributors and workers until a few weeks hence.
 First and foremost, I must thank the Marchetti Family: Maria and Tony and their wonderful children and daughters-in-law donated the food, as well as hundreds of hours to prepare and serve the food and decorate the hall. Without the Marchettis’ generosity, this annual fundraising dinner would never have been the success that it has been this year and during the past four years. Tante, tante grazie a Voi: da cuore! Organizing the preparations and choreographing the work of everyone was Marjan Falek: hundreds of hours of planning and meetings, numerous sleepless nights, scores of phone calls, emails, faxes and text messages later, Marjan and her committee produced a truly memorable evening. While I an unable to say this in Dutch, the sentiment is, nonetheless, heartfelt in English, when I say thank you, thank you, thank you, Marjan, for your generosity!
 The committee members, likewise, spent a good number of their winter hours planning, organizing, preparing and creating the fundraising event: Mirella Badetti, Tracy Banahan, Lisa D'Acunto, MaryJean Dalmolin, Juanita Evans, Joe McAleer, Angela Marchetti, Maria Marchetti, Michael Marchetti, Landa Leute, Shelley Sahd, Leon Taricani, and Margarita Ucero. Thank you all for your hard work and love for our parish.
There were others, as well, who put their hands, hearts and minds to good work preparing for the event and doing work on the evening itself:  Mary Cycon & Donna Cycon, who worked at checkout during the event, and many of our parish staff: Providenzia Rodriguez, Ferry Galbert, Tony Colon and Gary Belmonte, who have labored for the past months behind the scenes.  I also want to thank the St. Dominic Savio Society and the St. Maria Goretti Society.  I am very grateful to you all.  
Many others contributed in goods and professional services for that evening, and I’d like to mention just a few:
Besides the Marchetti Family and Columbus Park Trattoria, Frank Carpanzano of Advanced Travel provided air line tickets for our auction, as well as all the posters and travel advertising used as decoration for our evening; Nick and Terry  Troilo of Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines, LTD, of Darien donated the wonderful wines for the evening; Dr. Joseph McAleer, editor of the Fairfield County Catholic and his staff who designed the invitations, correspondence cards and invitations for the vent; Greg Duffy of MinuteMan Press of Norwalk, who donated the printing of the programs for the evening; and Yankee Linens who donated all the dinner linens. There are many others, and I’ll mention them next week, along with those who gave financial contributions.
 To all who participated, I wish to extend my gratitude, as well. So many of our parish joined in to make this evening a success, and I thank you, truly. God bless you.
 Please pray for the sick… Mather Dearbone, Jim Bosilevas,  Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Christopher Kanel, Rose Sobieski, Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr. Susan Perretta, Mary Louise Deluca, Viola F. Russo, William Speranza, George Lampman, Robert Geikie, Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, Paul Dudash, John Borron, Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, Wallace Stewart.

               THE PARISH MYSTERY THEATER
                          Presents the
                          Rectory Players
           In a Radio Style Presentation
                    of:
           AGATHA CHRISTIE’S
                     The Uninvited Guest
         At 7:00 p.m. August 7, 8 & 9
                         In The Rectory Ball Room
                             45 seats - $30.00 each
                           (Beverages & Desserts)
                                     (16 minimum age)

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory.  If you’ve studied high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! After Latin, Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies will next meet on July 9th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory:  Popes of the Early Church: All are welcome.  Please join us. July’s topic will be the Popes of the Early Church. HOWEVER, because of traffic problems on some July Wednesday evenings, the dates are slightly altered for the reading course on the Popes.  We’ll meet on Wednesdays: July 2nd & 9th, and on August 6th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a summer introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni.

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: Bible Study will change its format and become more intense. We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.  BIBLE STUDY WILL NOT

MEET DURING THE SUMMER. We’ll begin in September.
  
Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th:
Parish picnic at Cove Island. Details to follow.  

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING:  An Instruction Session in NFP will be offered on Monday, July 7th at 7:30 p m.  All are welcome.  Please contact Lisa Frawley if you plan to attend (203-254-6615).

Bann of Marriage:  1st Methernick Bernadel & Yves Volcy

Sunday, June 29, 2008    $ 11,661.00

Sunday, July 01, 2007  $ 11,547.51

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

Recollections on the Fourth:
The celebration of our nation’s independence on July 4th was always marked well. This was particularly true following the American Civil War, when the sacrifice of so many tens of thousands of Northern and Southern young men on the battlefields was still fresh in the minds of all Americans—immigrants and Catholics included!

Those early Independence day celebrations, right after the Civil War, were of exceptional importance, as a means of paying tribute to both the tens of thousands of fallen heroes and to those tens of thousands of living veterans who had endured the unimaginable in the horrors of battlefield to preserve the Union.  Liberty in America was deemed precious, and the rights of all, even of slaves, sufficient cause for war. Large numbers of Catholics, fought valiantly.

On our own 4th of July weekend, when we are again at war, we should not forget that our liberties and freedom are still precious, and that they are still threatened. Even our earliest immigrant members of St. John’s parish, who endured anti-Catholic prejudice, knew that such suffering was worthwhile, both because it was the lot of the true Christian to suffer as did the Master for the faith, and because being in the United States was worth any suffering or hardship required.

On this weekend of the 4th, pray for our country, for our President, our Congress and, especially, for our troops. The U.S.A. is still the greatest nation on the planet; that’s why so many people still make their way to our shores-- and many even make it to Saint John’s!! -- Msgr. DiGiovanni

Moms & Tots . . . a group of moms and children meet with Fr. Walsh each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in church for Eucharistic adoration, followed by snacks in the parish hall. Please join us.  Our next meeting will be on August  5th  .

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.
Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

St. John’s in The News . . .
. . . 100 years ago, or so:

The New York Freeman’s Journal and Catholic Register:
July 13, 1860: “On Thursday, the 20th of June, John Fagan, of the Hartford diocese received the sacred order of Sub-deaconship from the Most Rev. Archbishop of Baltimore, in the chapel of St. Mary’s Seminary, in that city. On the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul, John Fagan, received Deaconship. On Saturday, Feast of St. Paul, John Fagan was ordained a priest in the same place by the Most Rev. Archbishop.” (The Reverend John Fagan was Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church, Stamford, from 1868 to 1873.)

The Connecticut Catholic:
July 8, 1876: STAMFORD “The schools, under the Sisters of Mercy at this place, are actively engaged in preparation for the annual exhibition and commencement which is to take place before the close of the present month. Father Coleman has arrived here as assistant, the need of an additional priest having long been felt.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
July 11, 1885: STAMFORD. “The A.O.H. has engaged St. John’s cornet band for the state parade at Hartford August 18, an indication that it is their intention to have good music. The order will, no doubt, present a creditable appearance on that occasion, judging from the manner in which it has always appeared before in public. Our annual church picnic came off last Saturday at Woodside Park, but failed to escape the rain which is almost certain to come; otherwise the attendance, although large, would have been much greater than it was. The children of the Sunday school, and the different societies, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s Temperance, A.O.H., and St. John’s Benevolent with St. John’s Band, attended in a body.”

The Stamford Advocate:
July 9, 1906:  Bishop Tierney Laid the Corner Stone of Parochial School  “The corner stone of St. John’s school was laid, yesterday afternoon, with all the impressiveness of the Roman Catholic ritual and in the presence of a large and representative assemblage of townspeople. It was a notable gathering that was present, including public officials and men prominent in all walks of life, together with a distinguished array of clergymen, headed by the Rt. Rev. Michael Tierney, D. D., Bishop of the diocese of Hartford, who officiated at the religious ceremony and also set the stone, using the conventional trowel of silver. All the arrangements had been attended to with the utmost care with the result that there was no confusion and the program was carried through without delay, the ritual, singing and address taking up only a little over an hour.”

Credit Card Offertory…Make weekly or monthly donations by credit card. You can set up recurring credit card donations with the church secretary.  She can take your information over the telephone.  Call 324-1553 x21.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, July 5
4:00 +Isabell Coppola req. Terenzio Family
Sunday, July 6
  7:30 Special Intention Mary Young Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
10:00 Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus req. Margarita Arenas
12:00  +Patrick Forlenzio req. Christopher, Michelle, & Maryanne
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, July 7
  8:00 +Amy Reed req. Fabiola C.
12:10 +Rosario D’Amico req. his brother Frank
Tuesday, July 8
  8:00 +Martin & Katie Maloney & Family req. Mary Maloney
12:10 +Salvador Sandoval req. Fabiola C
Wednesday, July 9
   8:00 Special Intention Carmello C. D’Ariano & Family req. Anthony D’Ariano
 12:10 +Jayson Jarrett req. Norma Jarrett
Thursday, July 10
8:00 +Elias Contreras req. Fabiola Contreras
12:10     +Vita Fazio req. her brother Frank D’Amico
Friday, July 11
  8:00 Special Intention Josephine Languedoc req. Diane Strain
12:10 +Irene Medwed 4th Anniversary req. De Vivo Family
Saturday, July 12
  8:00 +Hope & Joseph McAleer req. Family
12:10    +Shirley Henry req.  The Ward Family

Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St, Stamford. 

Eucharistic Adoration:  Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

Are you a registered parishioner? … If not, please visit the parish office Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or call the office for more information [ext 21 or 17].

Sponsor Certificates for Baptism or Confirmation …are happily given to parishioners of St. John’s, i.e. those whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or can be verified by the records of the weekly offertory (envelopes).        

Holy Name Society . . . for all men of the parish: the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration benediction & prayer, from 7:00-8:00 a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

The Christian Moral Life
Freedom and Responsibility         - Fr. Terry Walsh
Part I
“It was God who created man in the beginning, and left him in the power of his own inclination. If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice. He has placed before you fire and water: stretch out your hand for whichever you wish. Before a man are life and death, and whichever he chooses will be given to him.” – Sirach 15: 14-16

 Saint Paul teaches in his letter to the Galatians, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery”(5:1). Through the gift of divine life, that is, through Baptism, which comes to us through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have access to every grace necessary to turn away from the slavery of sin and darkness and instead ‘walk in the Light of Christ.’ As we grow in our knowledge of God (Bible, Sacraments, Prayer, Keeping the Commandments) we grow in the habit of virtue, habits that are perfected by the supernatural grace of the Holy Spirit. We simply need to choose to follow our Lord. He doesn’t force us; rather, he presents us with the offer of life with and in Him, as well as the “cost” of discipleship, and then – “…whichever we choose, he gives us”: Eternal Beatitude, Heaven, or, sadly, the pains of Hell. Our actions, free and deliberate choices, have eternal consequences. We were created for eternal happiness in the perpetual light of Heaven. We prove our love for God by living in communion with Him here on earth – putting Him at the center of our lives. St. Augustine said, “We all want to live happily; in the whole human race there is no one who does not assent to this proposition, even before it is fully articulated”(De moribus ecclesiae catholicae) and Augustine asks the question, “How is it, then, that I seek you, Lord? Since in seeking you, my God, I seek a happy life, let me seek you so that my soul may live, for my body draws life from my soul and my soul draws life from you”(Confessions). And so, we must ask the question, “How can I best love God; how ought I live my life?” It’s a question that leads each of us to a particular vocation within the “vocation” of Christian Discipleship, or what St. Paul calls, “faith working through love.” He tells the Galatians: “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself””(5:14).
 As we grow in our knowledge of God (Scriptures, Prayer, Sacraments, Good Deeds) we can more faithfully imitate our Lord. He said, “Whatever you ASK in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ASK anything in my name, I will do it”(Jn 14:13). How pleasing it is to our Lord when we ask Him to lead us to Himself – to guard our hearts and minds – to heal us of our sins and to fill us with his love. How beautiful the life of grace for those that SEEK to do his will; to live in communion with him today, right now, at this very moment and every moment, in a gentle and harmonious way, confident in his abiding love. He calls each of us to himself. He places before us the eternal water of divine grace or the eternal fire, and he waits. He gives us the gift of freedom (without freedom, we couldn’t love) and he thirsts for our love. He gives us all that we need when we freely choose to cooperate with Him for the accomplishment of our Eternal Salvation. “By free will one shapes one’s own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude”(ccc1731).

Pastor’s Corner . . . Pope Benedict XVI has declared this year to the Year of Saint Paul:  from June 28, 2008 until June 29, 2009. He announced this last year in a homily delivered at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome on the eve of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul: “A very old tradition, which goes back to apostolic times, recounts that not far from here was where Saints Peter & Paul had their last encounter before martyrdom. They were said to have embraced each other, and to have blessed each other reciprocally. They are depicted on the main door of this Basilica in the scene of their martyrdom. From the very beginning then, Christian tradition has considered Peter and Paul inseparable, even if they each had a different mission to fulfill. Peter first confessed his faith in Christ; Paul received the gift of being able to plumb the profundity of its richness. Peter founded the first Christian community coming from the chosen people; Paul became the apostle of the gentiles. With different charisms, they worked for a single cause: building the Church of Christ. In the Readings, the liturgy offers for our meditation a well-known text of St. Augustine: "Only one day is consecrated to the feast of the two apostles. But they were also a single unit. Even if they were martyred on different days, they were one. Peter went ahead, Paul followed...Thus we celebrate this feast day, consecrated for us by the blood of these apostles" (Disc. 295, 7-8).
    And St. Leo the Great commented: "Of their merits and their virtues - which were superior from all accounts - we cannot think of anything contradictory or divisive, because election had made them equal, their efforts similar and their end alike" (In natali apostolorum., 69, 6-7).
Leo the Great said in this respect, addressing the city: "These are your holy fathers, your true shepherds, who, As much as they were humanly very different from each other, and even if their relationship was not without tensions, Peter and Paul therefore appear as the initiators of a new city, as a concretization of a new and authentic way of being brothers, made possible by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
    And so we can say that today the Church of Rome celebrates its birthday, inasmuch as the two Apostles had laid down its foundations. Moreover, Rome now realizes with greater awareness that is its mission and its grandeur.
St. John Chrysostom writes that "the sky is not as bright when the sun sheds its rays as the city of Rome which radiates the splendor of those burning torches (Peter and Paul) through all the world...This the reason why we love this city...for these two pillars of the Church" (Comm. a Rom 32). 
    In Rome, the link that gave Peter and Paul a common mission has assumed from the first centuries a very specific significance. Like the mythical brothers Romulus and Remus, attributed with the founding of Rome, Peter and Paul likewise are considered as founders of the Church of Rome.
During this year of the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of St. Paul, our parish will celebrate with two special activities: 
    --During the parish Advent and Lenten Missions, Monsignor James Turro, a world-renowned scripture scholar, will offer six lectures on the letters of St. Paul;
    --Fr. Walsh and I will visit and bless every parishioner’s home [of those who would like their homes blessed] during the year.
     For your part, parishioners might try imitating St. Paul by bringing family members or friends who have been away from the Church to Mass, in an effort to win hearts and minds for Our Lord.
May Saints Peter and Paul guide and protect us in this bi-millennial celebration, working for the Glory of God and the salvation of souls in communion with the Successor of Saint Peter, in the Church established by Our Lord on His Apostles.   ---Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick…Jim Bosilevas,  Felica Stamadinli, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr. Susan Perretta, Mary Louise Deluca, Viola F. Russo, William Speranza, George Lampman, Robert Geikie, Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, Paul Dudash, John Borron, Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, Wallace Stewart.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory.  If you’ve studied high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! After Latin, Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies will next meet on July 2nd at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory:  Popes of the Early Church: All are welcome.  Please join us. July’s topic will be the Popes of the Early Church. HOWEVER, because of traffic problems on some July Wednesday evenings, the dates are slightly altered for the reading course on the Popes. We’ll meet on Wednesdays: July 2 & 9, and on August 6th at 7:30 pm in the rectory. Sorry for the inconvenience.

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a summer introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni.

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: Bible Study will change its format and become more intense. We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.  BIBLE STUDY WILL NOT MEET DURING THE SUMMER. We’ll begin in September.
 
Peter’s Pence Collection . . . Please drop your Peter’s Pence Collection envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory.  There will only be one collection today.
 
Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th:  Parish picnic at Cove Island. Details to follow.  

St. John’s Towers Tenant Meeting . . . an important meeting will be held for the tenants of Saint John’s Towers on Monday, June 30th at 7:00 p.m. --Msgr. Nagle Hall.  All are most welcome to attend.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING:  An Instruction Session in NFP will be offered on Monday, July 7th at 7:30 p m.  All are welcome.  Please contact Lisa Frawley if you plan to attend (203-254-6615).

Moms & Tots . . . a group of moms and children meet with Fr. Walsh each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in church for Eucharistic adoration, followed by snacks in the parish hall. Please join us.  Our next meeting will be on July 8th.

Sunday, June 22, 2008    $11,115.00

Sunday, June 24, 2007  $ 10,304.13
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Hymns for this weekend . . . (1) 166  (2) 223.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

Choral Music for the 12:00 Noon Mass . . . Mass Ordinary: Missa ‘Tu es Petrus’ – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1525-1594. Offertory Motet: Tu es Petrus – Charles-Marie Widor, 1844-1937 (Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 16. 18, 19). Communion Motet: Ave verum Corpus – William Byrd, 1540-1623 (Hail true Body, born of Mary the virgin; suffering, sacrificed truly on the cross for men; from whose pierced side water flowed and blood. Be merciful to us at the judgement of death, O sweet Jesus, O merciful Jesus, O Jesus Son of Mary. [From a 14th cent. Gradual at Limoges, trans. Rev. A. Fortescue]. The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Nunc scio vere (Now I know in very deed, that the Lord hath sent His Angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. [Acts 12, 11]  V.: Lord, Thou hast proved me, and known me: Thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up. [Ps. 139. 1, 2]); Gradual Constitues eso (Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth: they shall remember Thy name, O Lord. V.: Instead of fathers, sons are born to thee: therefore shall people praise Thee. [Psalm 45. 17, 18]); Alleluia Tu es Petrus (Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church. Alleluia. [Matthew 16. 18]); Offertory Constitues eos (Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth: they shall remember Thy name, O Lord, throughout all generations. [Psalm 45. 17, 18]); Communion Tu es Petrus (Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church. [Matthew 16. 18]).

Ad Altare Dei Award. . . Congratulations to Reed McMurchy of Boy Scout Troop 9 on his recent reception of the Ad Altare Dei Medal from Bishop Lori at the annual Boy and Girl Scout award ceremony. Reed is the son of Jeannene and Kevin McMurchy.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

Credit Card Offertory…Make weekly or monthly donations by credit card. You can set up recurring credit card donations with the church secretary.  She can take your information over the telephone.  Call 324-1553 x21.

St. John’s in The News . . .
. . . 100 years ago, or so:

The Connecticut Catholic:
July 4, 1885: “The national holiday this year in our town brings no public demonstration to the peoples’ view, and if it were not for our grand annual picnic at Woodside Park, the day in town would be quiet and pass almost devoid of enjoyment. The picnic this year will freely come up to any of former years and deserves to be patronized by a very large attendance, and considering the object for which it is given, all ought ensure its success beyond any question. Mass will be said that morning and afterwards the various societies will form in line and march to the Park. The children of the Sunday school will head the procession then the drum corps, St. Joseph’s Temperance society, St. John’s Benevolent society, St Patrick’s Temperance society, and A.O.H. headed by St. John’s Cornet band. Two very interesting games of baseball will be played at the grove. The Rose Hills of Stamford play the Port Chester club, and the Y and S of Stamford will try the Greenwich boys.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
July 3, 1886: “Mr. John Downey has returned home to spend his vacation from Montreal seminary.” (Editor’s note: The Reverend John Downey, a vocation from St. John’s, Stamford, celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest in 1937.)

The Stamford Advocate:
July 1, 1905:  Catholic Sisters Take Vows. “A profoundly solemn double ceremony – the profession and reception of members into the Order of Sisters of Mercy – was held in the little chapel of Mr. St. Joseph’s Convent at Hartford, yesterday morning. It was conducted by Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney. Bishop Tierney’s assistants in the service were Rev. Father Murray, chancellor, and Rev. Father Ryan of St. Patrick’s, Hartford. Priests from various parts of the diocese were in the sanctuary, and in the auditorium were many nums and friends of the candidates. Among the young women who took the black veil was Miss Harriet Kane, daughter of Mrs. Catherine Kane of this city, whose name in religion is Sister Rose Marie.” (Editor’s note: Sister Rose Marie taught fifth grade in St. John’s School from 1947 to 1949.)

The Stamford Advocate:
July 3, 1901:  LIGHTNING, HAIL AND WIND. CROSS FALLS FROM R. C. CHURCH  “The large granite cross that was fixed on the top of St. John’s R. C. Church was broken off near its base and sent flying to the ground below. The ponderous cross struck on the great granite steps of the main entrance to the church, smashing two of them in such a manner that it will be necessary to replace them, and knocking the heavy granite balustrade at the south of the flight, several inches out of plumb. Pieces of the cross struck the concrete walk and tore holes it it. The damage to the church is estimated at about $300. It is believed that the cross was blown from the edifice by the wind rather than demolished by lightning.”

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, June 28
4:00 +Vincent Freccia – Birthday Remembrance req. wife Dolores

Sunday, June 29
  7:30 +Simone Parisi req. Angelo Capponi & Family
10:00 Intention of the Holy Father
12:00 Intention of Father Joseph Camellien
 6:00 In honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Monday, June 30
  8:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
12:10 +Roseanne Fazio req. her uncle Frank D’Amico

Tuesday, July 1
  8:00 Special Intention Susan Bobroske req. Fr. Terence P. Walsh
12:10 +Amy Reed req. Luz Contreras

Wednesday, July 2
   8:00 +Reddy & Alice MacDonald & Family req. Mary Maloney
 12:10 +Charles Pascale req. John Pascale

Thursday, July 3
8:00 +Dila Haidar req. Granddaughter
12:10     +Thomas Henry req. John, Tim, Tony

Friday, July 4
  8:00 +Robert S. Hill req. Family
12:10 +Anthony Ramos req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos

Saturday, July 5
  8:00 Gavin Samedi Birthday req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10    All Souls in Purgatory req. Stephanie O’Hara

Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St, Stamford. 

Eucharistic Adoration:  Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

Are you a registered parishioner? … If not, please visit the parish office Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or call the office for more information [ext 21 or 17].

Sponsor Certificates for Baptism or Confirmation …are happily given to parishioners of St. John’s, i.e. those whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or can be verified by the records of the weekly offertory (envelopes).        

Holy Name Society . . . for all men of the parish: the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration benediction & prayer, from 7:00-8:00 a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

“Peter, do you love Me?”
-Fr Terry Walsh      

The most important journey we take in this life begins at the threshold of what can be an unfamiliar road – a road that can only be traveled with the help of God’s grace – it is that spiritual journey that leads to union with God. If we ask Him, our Lord will take us along the most beautiful roads. If we ask Him, He’ll bring us to spiritual heights that we simply haven’t even begun to imagine. The journey begins with the firm conviction that Jesus is truly present - in our midst – in all the most ordinary circumstances of our lives. As we begin to seek the path of holiness, we might begin to wonder exactly how it is our Lord will lead us along this unfamiliar road. The answer begins with a question: “Do you love Me?”
 Jesus asks each one of us the same question He put to Peter on the shores of Galilee. “Do you love Me?” It’s a question that demands thoughtful reflection. We ought to take care not to respond impetuously. If we take the leap – if we take that 1st step into the Heart of Jesus – everything will change! We’ll begin to see through the eyes of God. Our values will necessarily change. It all begins with that 1st step – that “I believe” – that sincere desire for fulfillment that can only be found in Christ – that pure gift of faith which is given when we ask for it. If we let Him, our Lord will astound us with incomprehensible graces and boundless love. If we let Him, He’ll captivate our hearts and minds and open to us the way to everlasting peace and happiness. He’ll reveal Himself to us – deep in our hearts – so that we will abide in His love. Perhaps, at this very moment, you find yourself at this crossroad in your spiritual journey to God. The world tugs away at your heart – it tries to pull you away from what is truly good and pure and beautiful with what is fleeting. Yet, your heart searches for something more – something you somehow know the world cannot provide. There’s a spark for what is real and true and holy. Perhaps, as you stand at that crossroad, you gaze down the trail blazed by Jesus and consider – for a moment – the cost. What will it take to travel that road? Do you ponder with wonder and awe – and with confidence? Or, has fear clouded your vision? What if I get lost along the road? What if I meet with unexpected difficulties? What will it cost me? While contemplating your path, imagine, for a moment, Jesus standing beside you. You don’t see Him – but He sees you. His gaze waits to see what you’ll choose, hoping you’ll choose Him. He’s almost begging with His eyes – pleading with your soul: “Follow Me – My yoke is easy, My burden Light.” ‘Let Me show you the wonders of my love. Please. Come on…If you only knew the gifts and fruits that await you. If you’d just try – take that first step. Turn off the TV – put aside the internet. Come, spend time with Me. Sit with me for 10 minutes and ask for whatever you want – I’ll give it to you.’ Is it wisdom you want – so that you can help your children negotiate the snares of this world – you’ll have it. Is it an understanding heart you desire – so that you’ll have compassion for those poor, forgotten souls suffering all around you – consider it done. Perhaps you seek the gift of fortitude - so that you can muster the strength to forgive a wound suffered at the hands of a friend – or, to ask forgiveness for a wound you’ve inflicted on another. I can help. Ask Me. Walk with ME. I am really and truly present. I’ll lead you – if you let Me. Trust ME. Peter did. He traveled the road of holiness. It wasn’t without suffering and trial. In Jesus’ greatest hour of need, Peter stared down the path of holiness and ran the other way. It cost too much. In the worst night of Jesus’ life, when He needed Peter the most, he denied Him – 3 times! That hurt. Yes, Peter fell. He struggled. He failed. He suffered the crushing agony of denying Jesus. He knew Him and still, He denied Him. But Peter did not despair. How many times have we been in Peter’s shoes? How many times have we turned away from Jesus at home, at school, at work? How many times have we calculated the cost and said ‘I’m not going to pay that price!’ It’s too hard. I can’t forgive. I won’t forgive. Peter, “Do you love Me?” Peter answered Jesus by emptying Himself of his self-will. He stood up for Jesus and proclaimed His Name to the world – he no longer counted the cost - so that everyone could share in the same gift of love that he discovered when he took up his Cross and followed Jesus. He was ridiculed, thrown into prison, endured persecution – YEAH – it cost Him – and through each and every trial, Peter entered deeper and deeper into the abode of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. He forgot himself and so discovered himself. He fed the lambs; he tended the sheep with the deepest humility – the greatest love – ultimately stretching out his hands – it cost him his life. If today you find yourself at that Crossroads, standing at the threshold – peering out at path of holiness that lies before you – considering the cost – listen for that gentle plea – ‘Be not afraid. Follow Me – I’ll provide all the necessary things – just say yes. Can you hear the echo of His voice in your soul: “Do you love Me?” I will fill your heart with every grace and blessing and like Peter, you too will be able to say with all your heart and soul, “Yes, Lord, I love you!”

Pastor’s Corner . . . Everyone knows that June is the most beautiful of months—it’s a fact! Everyone, likewise, would agree that June is the first month when summer finally seems to be a real possibility. For the Church, too, June has the unofficial duty of ushering in a new liturgical season: Ordinary Time: Please, contain your excitement!  Until Advent [Sunday, November 30th], we’ll have 25 weekends of Sundays in Ordinary Time, when neither the divine initiatives of the Incarnation, nor of the Passion, nor of the Resurrection of the Lord is particularly commemorated.  And yet, at every Mass, every aspect of God’s works for mankind is celebrated and made present.
  The reality of Ordinary Time is that it refers to God’s work for our salvation: His centuries’ long preparation of humankind for the coming of His Son in the flesh, Our Lord’s ministry, His establishment of the Church, His sacrifice on the Cross and His triumph over sin and death in the Resurrection, and how these saving events by Christ affect the lives of individual souls who come after Him--now.
  So, with June as the first full month of Ordinary Time, continuing through the summer and fall, the Church places before the eyes of the faithful the examples of holiness of real people: the saints. Men, women, children like ourselves, who loved Our Lord so much that they passed lives of heroic virtue and goodness. They wouldn’t have thought their lives so extraordinary, because they lived them in love for Our Lord. And they tried to show that love for God in their charity towards God’s image—every man, woman and child they came into contact with.
  Here are a few examples: during June there are 10 feasts of martyrs: St. Justin [2nd century, Rome], Sts. Marcellinus & Peter [4th century, Rome], Sts Charles Lwanga and 21 companions [19th century, Uganda], St. Boniface [8th century, Germany], St. Barnabas [1st century, Holy Land],
Sts. John Fisher & Thomas More [15th century, England],
St. John the Baptist [1st century, Holy Land], St. Irenaeus of Lyons, [3rd century, France], Sts. Peter & Paul [1st century, Rome], The First Martyrs of Rome [1st century, Rome].
  There are other saints commemorated throughout Ordinary Time through November, and not just martyrs. Here are a few examples of summer saints: St. Anthony of Padua, St. Aloysius Gonzago, St. Elizabeth of Portugal, St. Maria Goretti, St. Benedict, Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Mary Magdalene, Sts. Joachim & Ann, St. John Vianney, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, St. Clare, St. Monica, and, of course, Our Lady, who is commemorated every Saturday, and on the Feasts of Our Lady of Mount Carmel [July 16] and of Her bodily Assumption into heaven [August 15].
  These are only a few of the saints given us as examples of Christian life during these upcoming months. If you’re looking for an easy and fascinating summer reading assignment, read the lives of the saints--either on line, or in the New Catholic Encyclopedia [which is on line, and at the Ferguson library]
  Ordinary Time can be seen as boring, unless you look at the saints who lived real Christian lives. They’re good examples of how to be active Christians, and how to find happiness here on earth and happiness in heaven.
—Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Felica Stamadinli, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Susan Perretta, Mary Louise Deluca, Viola S. Russo, William Speranza, George Lampman, Robert Geikie, Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, Paul Dudash, John Borron, Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, Wallace Stewart.

2 GREAT upcoming EVENTS:

MONASTIC RENEWAL OF SAINT BENEDICT: Sunday, June 29th: The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul: 11:00 a.m. Lecture/ 12:00 noon Choir Mass:  : Father Cassian Folsom, founding Prior of the Monastery of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St. Benedict, will speak on Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican II, in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, followed by 12:00 noon Solemn Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The choir will sing the Tu Es Petrus Mass setting by Palestrina. All are welcome.

Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th:  Parish picnic at Cove Island. Details to follow.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory.  If you’ve got high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies will next meet on June 25th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory:  History of the Monks of Syria: led by Doctor Lois Gandt, we will read English translations of the works by St. Theodoret of Cyrrhus.  All are welcome.  Please join us. July’s topic will be the Popes of the Early Church.

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a summer introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni.

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: Bible Study will change its format and become more intense. We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.  BIBLE STUDY WILL NOT MEET DURING THE SUMMER. We’ll begin in September.
       
Banns of Marriage: 3rd:  Ryan T. Supple & Michelle Guevara

St. John’s Towers Tenant Meeting . . . an important meeting will be held for the tenants of Saint John’s Towers on Monday, June 30th at 7 p.m  in the Msgr. Nagle Hall. All are most welcome to attend.

Sunday, June 15, 2008    $ 10,642.00
Sunday, June 17, 2007  $ 10,934.83
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Scott Turkington is teaching in Chicago this week; there will be no music for the Masses.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING:  An Instruction Session in NFP will be offered on Monday, July 7th at 7:30 p m.  All are welcome.  Please contact Lisa Frawley if you plan to attend (203-254-6615).

Saint John’s Job Fair. . Looking for a Job:  If you’ve been looking for a job but hitting dead-ends, you need our help to compose a resume, cover letter, or simply to get some direction. This is a FREE group, led by one of our parishioners, Melanie Szlucha, a professional career coach, who has offered her services to help those looking for jobs to present your self more effectively, in writing and in person. The purpose of these meetings is to help jobseekers find solutions to individual challenges.  If you’re interested, please bring a written resume or cover letter that you’ve written. More information is available on Melanie’s website:
www.reallygreatresume.com or via her email:
Melanie@redinc.biz The meeting will take place in the Monsignor Nagle Hall on Monday, June 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Please call the rectory to register: 324-1553, ext. 21. There is NO charge; bring a friend.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th-12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church. If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Moms & Tots . . . a group of moms and children meet with Fr. Walsh each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in church for Eucharistic adoration, followed by snacks in the parish hall. Please join us.  Our next meeting will be on July 8th.

Credit Card Offertory…Make weekly or monthly donations by credit card. You can set up recurring credit card donations with the church secretary.  She can take your information over the telephone.  Call 324-1553 x21.

Join the Conversation . . . Bishop William Lori has started a “blog” to share news: www.BishopLoriBlog.org.

St. John’s in The News . . .
. . . 100 years ago, or so:

The Stamford Advocate:
June 23, 1871: “There will be another celebration held on the fourth of next month somewhat similar to that which took place last year. The members of the Catholic church intend to have a grand procession in the morning. They have invited the fire companies to assist in the celebration, and already favorable response has been made by one of the companies. The benevolent and temperance and other societies connected with the Catholic church will participate in this procession. An excellent band of twenty pieces has been engaged, and other arrangements have been made which will tend to make a grand display and a glorious time. The line of march will be so arranged that the majority of our citizens will be able to view it, and the point of destination will be Woodside Park. At the Park a regular picnic will be held and all the accompanying pleasures of a dinner and a dance will then be enjoyed. In the afternoon, Prof Brooks, the celebrated aeronaut, will make an ascension from the Park, which will be an additional attraction and the citizens of Stamford generally are called upon to contribute toward this extra expense. Subscriptions will be received at the Prof’s office, or by Messrs. J. J. Horan, John S. Burke, or can be left at this office.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
June 24, 1876: “St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore has reported that for the diocese of Hartford, Reverend James C. O’Brien was granted sub-deaconship.”

The Stamford Advocate:
June 28, 1907: 8 GIRL GRADUATES RECEIVE DIPLOMAS AT EXERCISES IN RICH’S HALL. CATHOLIC PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.  “The closing exercises of St. John’s parochial school were held in Rich’s Hall, yesterday afternoon, and were attended by an audience that quite filled the hall, and which was plainly very much impressed with the work of the school children, who now for the first time have a building which is in keeping with their achievements and ambitions. The program was rather long, including 20 numbers, but there was no delay between the various parts, and, as most of the selections were brief, as well as interesting, the exercises didn’t in the least drag. The graduates are all girls, eight in number. Their final examination for the High School was passed so creditably that Supt. Willard wrote a letter to Sister Mercedes, the teacher of the highest grade, congratulating her on the showing of the class, and speaking in terms of the warmest praise of the training which the examination disclosed. The members of the class, each of whom received a diploma of graduation from St. John’s school are: Margaret Teresa Brennan, Katherine Elizabeth Burke, Helena Josephine Burnes, Anna Monico McCormick, Mary Elizabeth Morrow, Sarah Catherine Morrow, Mary Alexius Quinn, and Mary Agnes Spruss.” (Editor’s note: the class of 1907 was the first graduating class of the then new St. John School.)

Mass Intentions

Saturday, June 21
4:00 +Charles & Josephine Davis req. Joseph Melfi

Sunday, June 22
  7:30 Special Intention Mary Young Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
10:00 +Louise Comerford req. Amanda Pape
12:00 Benedictine Monks of Nursia req. Alex Marchetti
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, June 23
  8:00 +Deceased Members of the Paulemon & the Milien Families req. Montainse Paulemon
12:10 Thanksgiving to God req. Montanise Paulemon

Tuesday, June 24
8:00 Special Intention Marc JayCee Butiu req. Michelle Madrazo
12:10 +Susie M. Brown req. Ray R. Raju Great Nephew

Wednesday, June 25
   8:00 Special Intention
 12:10 Special Intention Msgr. DiGiovanni req. Millie

Thursday, June 26
8:00 Special Intention Theresa Shea req.  Tony Janeiro
12:10   Thanksgiving to Saint Anthony

Friday, June 27
  8:00 Special Intention Marie Cognetta req. Pauline Whitehead
12:10 +Paul Giancola req. Terenzio Family

Saturday, June 28
  8:00 Special Intention Joseph H. Kim req. Joseph  & Mary Kim
12:10    Special Intention Georges Paulemon req. Mother

Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St, Stamford. 

Eucharistic Adoration:  Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

Are you a registered parishioner? … If not, please visit the parish office Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or call the office for more information [ext 21 or 17].

Sponsor Certificates for Baptism or Confirmation …are happily given to parishioners of St. John’s, i.e. those whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or can be verified by the records of the weekly offertory (envelopes).        

Holy Name Society . . . for all men of the parish: the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration benediction & prayer, from 7:00-8:00 a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

The Christian Moral Life

Freedom and Responsibility         - Fr. Terry Walsh
Part II
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”(2 Cor 17)
 There is an objective moral Truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Truth is a Person, not an opinion. Where He is, there is Truth, there is Life. He longs to dwell IN each of us, if we’ll open our hearts to receive Him. The Scriptures tells us that the Truth is written in our hearts by God Himself. We’re able to discern and understand the Truth; indeed, we have an obligation to seek the Truth and once we discover it, to adhere to it. The biggest obstacle to our living in the Truth is the sin of Pride. Pride clouds our vision and leads us down the road of selfishness. There’s a sort of “self-absorption” that leads to the erroneous understanding that somehow the human person is at the Center of the Universe and the whole world revolves around the subjective person. So we hear common phrases along the lines of “I’ll respect ‘your truth’ if your respect ‘my truth,’ which of course is nonsense. The simple principle of Non-Contradiction applies. A thing can’t be true and false at the same time. The Catechism teaches: “The exercise of freedom does not imply a right to say or do everything. It is false to maintain that man, ‘the subject of this freedom,’ is ‘an individual who is fully self-sufficient and whose finality is the satisfaction of his own interests in the enjoyment of earthly goods’…by deviating from the moral law man violates his own freedom, becomes imprisoned within himself, disrupts neighborly fellowship, and rebels against divine truth”(ccc 1740).
 While it’s true that we must “follow our conscience” it is no less true that we are obligated to FORM our conscience (Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, Good Deeds – in a word, Grace). While we certainly owe respect and kindness to all people, we’re called to witness to the Truth, and this may lead to disagreements concerning any number of issues. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, we’ve been given the grace to teach and defend the faith, in other words, to teach and defend the truth, but to do so with love and respect. If we’re going to be faithful to our “Life in Christ” witnessing to our Lord though our fidelity to the Truth, then we need to grow in our knowledge and understanding of the Truth. How can we give what we do not possess? Ah, we’re back to the virtue of Humility. “Lord, teach me.” That humble little prayer expresses a desire to put aside our own opinions so that we can become rooted and grounded in the Truth. Consider the retort our Lord makes to the proud Sadducees who thought themselves wise and learned but were in fact harboring resentment to the Truth because it got in the way of the “lifestyle” they had grown accustomed to living. Jesus said: “Is not this why you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God”(Mk 12:24)? Have we fallen into the same trap? When we offer opinions on the moral life, are these based upon the Will of God, which is perfect, beautiful, pure, and holy (and is easily discovered in the humble heart who seeks the Truth through the Word Himself in Sacred Scripture) or, are these opinions based on the standards set by the world, the cultural norms “agreed upon” by the loudest voice and the most money? Another came to Him, seeking the Truth, and asked Jesus: “Which commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, ‘The first is “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” ‘The second is like this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself’”(Mk 12:28). The Moral Life: “Faith working through Love”(St Paul).

Pastor’s Corner . . . June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion that centers on the physical human heart of Jesus Christ as a symbol of His divine love for mankind. Throughout the centuries, the human heart has been a sign of human love—what do you normally send out on Valentine’s Day, except a card with hearts all over it? Every form of devotion to Our Lord’s humanity has as its object the devotion to the entire Christ who is the Word Incarnate: the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son of the Eternal Father, who became a man so that mankind could share in God’s divine life.  So our devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart is a devotion to much more than an organ that pumped blood. Our devotion to His Sacred Heart of flesh is as the true and natural symbol of His threefold love: His human love; His sensible and spiritual love, infused with supernatural charity; and His divine love as the Word Incarnate, the Son of God made man. The thoughts of the early Church Fathers are based on two texts from John’s Gospel: John 7: 37-39: “Jesus said, ‘If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” And, John 19: 33-7: “But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.” These and other passages were joined to view the Sacred Heart as the fountain from which issues the Holy Spirit from the Savior’s wounded side.  From this came the idea of the Church as born from the pierced Heart of Christ as the new Eve from the side of the new Adam. This was developed during the Middle Ages, as greater devotion to Our Lord’s heart became more popular.  St. Bonaventure wrote, “The Church was to be formed from the side of Christ as he slept on the Cross . . . Then, as from a fountain—Christ’s innermost heart—the price of our salvation would pour out, giving to the Church’s sacraments the power of conferring grace and of being for those who live in Christ a drink of the living water ‘that gushes up for eternal life.’” [Reflections on The Tree of Life] Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Gertrude the Great, especially, were devoted to the Sacred Heart as a means to more deeply penetrate and join oneself to the mystery of the Incarnate God living in the Church and Her sacraments. The visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque [1601-1680] brought public attention and devotion to Jesus and His Sacred Heart.
The Heart of Christ, then, is the symbol of the total love of His person for the Eternal Father and for mankind. Through and beyond the human heart, through this devotion one goes to the total love of the Word Incarnate, and also to that love by which the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit love sinful humanity—not merely as a group, but loves each of us individually, and desires to redeem each of us for eternity by means of Christ’s Incarnation and Suffering, Death and Resurrection, made present through the Church and the Church’s sacraments.  The image of Jesus’ Heart, afire with love, crowned with thorns, and pierced, has become the symbol par excellence of the Incarnation, the passion and depth of God’s love for us that led the Three Persons of the Trinity all to contribute to our salvation through the life and Cross of Jesus. We should all cultivate a personal devotion to Our Lord’s Sacred Heart as a reminder of that Divine Love for each of us and to stimulate our personal response to that Sacred Love. —Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni

Monthly Collection . . . The second collection today will be the monthly collection for the parish.  Your generosity is appreciated.
 
Please pray for the sick… Felica Stamadinli, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Susan Perretta, Mary Louise Deluca, Viola S. Russo, William Speranza, George Lampman, Robert Geikie, Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, Paul Dudash, John Borron, Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, Wallace Stewart.

3 GREAT upcoming EVENTS:

AROUND the World DINNER:
 Sunday, June 22nd at 5:00 p.m.: Our annual fund raising supper and auction.  Please join us to help raise funds to repair our church bell tower. Tickets:  $100 each.  Please call the rectory: 324-1553, ext. 21.

MONASTIC RENEWAL OF SAINT BENEDICT: 11 a.m. Lecture/ 12:00 noon Choir Mass:  Sunday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m.: Father Cassian Folsom, founding Prior of the Monastery of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St. Benedict, will speak on Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican II, in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, followed by 12 noon Solemn Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The choir will sing the Tu Es Petrus Mass setting by Palestrina. All are welcome.

Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th:  Parish picnic at Cove Island. Details to follow.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory.  If you’ve got high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies will next meet on June 18th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory:  History of the Monks of Syria: led by Doctor Lois Gandt, we will read English translations of the works by St. Theodoret of Cyrrhus.  All are welcome.  Please join us. July’s topic will be the Popes of the Early Church.

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a summer introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni.

Bible Study…Monthly meetings. Our next meeting is June 19th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  We’re reading the Book of Revelation.  All are welcome!

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: Bible Study will change its format and become more intense. We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.
       
Banns of Marriage: 2nd:  Ryan T. Supple & Michelle Guevara

Sunday, June 8, 2008    $ 10,868.00

Sunday, June 10, 2007  $ 11,353.25

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

Scott Turkington is away from the parish, teaching in Chicago this week; there will be no music for the Masses.

Saint John’s Job Fair. . Looking for a Job:. If you’ve been looking for a job but hitting dead-ends, you need our help to compose a resume, cover letter, or simply to get some direction. This is a FREE group, led by one of our parishioners, Melanie Szlucha, a professional career coach, who has offered her services to help those looking for jobs to present your self more effectively, in writing and in person. The purpose of these meetings is to help jobseekers find solutions to individual challenges.  If you’re interested, please bring a written resume or cover letter that you’ve written. More information is available on Melanie’s website:
www.reallygreatresume.com or via her email:
Melanie@redinc.biz The meeting will take place in the Monsignor Nagle Hall on Monday, June 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Please call the rectory to register: 324-1553, ext. 21. There is NO charge; bring a friend.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th-12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church. If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Family Fair . . . June 18-22nd on Elm Street. A $5.00 entrance charge per person [children under 13 are free when accompanied by an adult]. Rides, food, silent auction and raffle. Come join the fun.

Join the Conversation . . . Bishop William Lori has started a “blog” to share news: www.BishopLoriBlog.org.

St. John’s in The Advocate . . .
. . . 100 years ago, or so:

June 21, 1872: “Preparations for the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the new Catholic Church are nearly complete, and the occasion – Sunday, June 23rd – will undoubtedly be a memorable one among the Catholic fraternity.”

June 21, 1878:  Annual Picnic. “The societies connected with St. John’s Roman Catholic church will hold their annual picnic in Woodside Park as usual on the Fourth. The attractions on the ground will include a game of base ball, a good horse trot, and games of various kinds. The managers promise a good time generally. The Stamford Cornet Band will be in attendance throughout the day.” (Woodside Park is now Scalzi Park)

June 19, 1922: ITALIANS OBSERVE ST. VITO FIESTA – SOLEMN HIGH MASS IS HELD AT ST. JOHN’S.  “Italians of Stamford observed the Saint Vito fiesta on Saturday and Sunday with the usual jollity and enthusiasm. The celebration was marked with the opening of a carnival for the benefit of the Sacred Heart R. C. Church on the proposed church grounds at Schuyler Avenue. Solemn High Mass was celebrated at St. John’s Church on Sunday morning with Rev. John Kelly officiating. The mass was followed by a procession through the principal streets of the city and the West End with the statue of the patron saint. The procession ended at the Schuyler Avenue grounds where there was a benediction by Father Kelly.”

June 16, 1928:  REV. F. J. LALLY TAKES CHARGE OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH.  “The Rev. Francis J. Lally, newly appointed pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church, arrived yesterday from Waterbury to take over the duties of the local parish. Father Lally, who succeeds the late Rev. James C. O’Brien, comes here after a service of about 18 years as pastor of St. Thomas’ Church in Waterbury. Before assuming the Waterbury pastorate he had for 13 years been pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Windsor, and during his career in the Hartford diocese had been assistant at St. Peter’s Church in East Hartford. Father Lally was born in Stratford and received his preliminary education there and at the Bridgeport High School. He attended St. Charles’ College and St. Bonaventure’s College, Allegheny, N. Y. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1886 in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hartford, and assigned to St. Mary’s Church, East Hartford, going to St. Peter’s Church in that city in 1893. He was made pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Poquonock in 1900 where he remained until 1911 when he was given the important pastorate of St. Thomas’ Church, Waterbury. He has established an excellent record in the diocese for his preaching and administrative ability. His kindly and genial personality has already made for him many friends in Stamford. The Rev. Henry M. Callahan has been acting pastor of St. John’s Church since the death of Father O’Brien.”

Moms & Tots . . . a group of moms and children meet with Fr. Walsh each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in church for Eucharistic adoration, followed by snacks in the parish hall. Please join us.  Our next meeting will be on July 8th.

Credit Card Offertory…Make weekly or monthly donations by credit card. You can set up recurring credit card donations with the church secretary.  She can take your information over the telephone.  Call 324-1553 x21.
Mass Intentions

Saturday, June 14
4:00 +DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco & Edwin Clark req. John & Joan Kronk

Sunday, June 15
  7:30 Special Intention Richard Paul Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
10:00 Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus req. Margarita Arenas
12:00 Saint Padre Pio 6th Anniversary of Canonization req. Our Lady of Loreto Altar Guild
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, June 16
  8:00 +Carmella D’Ariano req. Mazza & D’Ariano & Family
12:10 In Thanksgiving to Santo Padre Pio req. Giannitti Family

Tuesday, June 17
  8:00 +John Maloney req. Mary Maloney
12:10 Special Intention Anita Lindquist req. The Valles Family

Wednesday, June 18
   8:00 +James Touhey req. Family
 12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.

Thursday, June 19
8:00 Devotion to St. Jude for Daniel req. Wife & Daughter
12:10   Special Intention Marie Cognetta req. Pauline Whitehead

Friday, June 20
  8:00 +Charles W. DuVernouy req. Wanda & Paul Verille
12:10 +Achille & Micilia Paulemon req. Montanise Paulemon

Saturday, June 21
  8:00 Special Intention Eleanor Theresa Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10    +Violet Logsdail req. Mr. & Mrs. Antonio Marchetti & Family

Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St, Stamford. 

Eucharistic Adoration:  Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

Are you a registered parishioner? … If not, please visit the parish office Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or call the office for more information [ext 21 or 17].

Sponsor Certificates for Baptism or Confirmation …are happily given to parishioners of St. John’s, i.e. those whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or can be verified by the records of the weekly offertory (envelopes).        

Holy Name Society . . . for all men of the parish: the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration benediction & prayer, from 7:00-8:00 a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

The Christian Moral Life
Freedom and Responsibility         - Fr. Terry Walsh
Part I
“It was God who created man in the beginning, and left him in the power of his own inclination. If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice. He has placed before you fire and water: stretch out your hand for whichever you wish. Before a man are life and death, and whichever he chooses will be given to him.” – Sirach 15: 14-16

Saint Paul teaches in his letter to the Galatians, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery”(5:1). Through the gift of divine life, that is, through Baptism, which comes to us through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have access to every grace necessary to turn away from the slavery of sin and darkness and instead ‘walk in the Light of Christ.’ As we grow in our knowledge of God (Bible, Sacraments, Prayer, Keeping the Commandments) we grow in the habit of virtue, habits that are perfected by the supernatural grace of the Holy Spirit. We simply need to choose to follow our Lord. He doesn’t force us; rather, he presents us with the offer of life with and in Him, as well as the “cost” of discipleship, and then – “…whichever we choose, he gives us”: Eternal Beatitude, Heaven, or, sadly, the pains of Hell. Our actions, free and deliberate choices, have eternal consequences. We were created for eternal happiness in the perpetual light of Heaven. We prove our love for God by living in communion with Him here on earth – putting Him at the center of our lives. St. Augustine said, “We all want to live happily; in the whole human race there is no one who does not assent to this proposition, even before it is fully articulated”(De moribus ecclesiae catholicae) and Augustine asks the question, “How is it, then, that I seek you, Lord? Since in seeking you, my God, I seek a happy life, let me seek you so that my soul may live, for my body draws life from my soul and my soul draws life from you”(Confessions). And so, we must ask the question, “How can I best love God; how ought I live my life?” It’s a question that leads each of us to a particular vocation within the “vocation” of Christian Discipleship, or what St. Paul calls, “faith working through love.” He tells the Galatians: “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself””(5:14).
 As we grow in our knowledge of God (Scriptures, Prayer, Sacraments, Good Deeds) we can more faithfully imitate our Lord. He said, “Whatever you ASK in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ASK anything in my name, I will do it”(Jn 14:13). How pleasing it is to our Lord when we ask Him to lead us to Himself – to guard our hearts and minds – to heal us of our sins and to fill us with his love. How beautiful the life of grace for those that SEEK to do his will; to live in communion with him today, right now, at this very moment and every moment, in a gentle and harmonious way, confident in his abiding love. He calls each of us to himself. He places before us the eternal water of divine grace or the eternal fire, and he waits. He gives us the gift of freedom (without freedom, we couldn’t love) and he thirsts for our love. He gives us all that we need when we freely choose to cooperate with Him for the accomplishment of our Eternal Salvation. “By free will one shapes one’s own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude”(ccc1731).

Pastor’s Corner . . . What are you doing for the summer? Have you at least chosen a few good books to read?? Books!! No one reads books anymore! Well, I would hope you do. After all, this IS Saint John’s, and a good book list for the summer is an important part of mature summer experience that is both fun and good for you. So, if you’ve not yet chosen your summer reading, let me help you: let’s do some history, and jump back a few centuries, while remaining very modern.
The parish’s St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies has begun its fourth year of summer and fall lineup of reading groups, meeting each Wednesday at 7:30 pm in the Rectory. The readings are all in good English translations. Here they are:

June: History of the Monks of Syria;
July: Popes of the Early Church;
August: Western Monasticism;
September: John Cassian’s Conferences;
October: The Cappadocian Fathers;
November: Saint Helena and her Shrines of
                   Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
 One of the great things about being Catholic, besides being a part of the Church established by Our Lord and the Apostles, is that we belong to the only Church found throughout the world, still teaching the same truth Christ handed on to His Apostles for the salvation of the world. So, for example, what does a study of the monks of ancient Syria have to do with anything? A lot! After Rome, the Church in Syria, centered in the city of Antioch, was the most dynamic. Both were established by Saint Peter, and both led the way in both theological definitions and in methods of holiness of life, seen especially in the life of hundreds of thousands of monks and consecrated women. The early writings of the Church Fathers speak to us today, since we share the same faith in the same Church.  We may live centuries and continents away from ancient Syria, but we are joined with those who professed and lived the same faith in the same Church, which is the Body of Christ.
 June’s study of the early popes of the first three centuries gives us a glimpse into the early life of the successors of Saint Peter in the city where Saints Peter and Paul lived, taught and were martyred; July, August and September return to various aspects of the monastic life, so vital for the development of European culture, and our own today. October will look into the lives and writings of some of the greatest eastern Catholic theologians, Saints Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory Nazianzen and Basil the Great, whose theology and spirituality still affect us today; November will bring us to visit the two great shrines of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and His suffering, death and resurrection in Jerusalem.  Still major places of pilgrimage, they enshrine those places where God entered human history and made mankind sharers in His divinity. 
 So, join us during the summer: you’ll be the envy of everyone at the beach because you’ll have the most interesting of summer reading!! Come back in the fall, and we’ll help warm up your minds with spiritual gems that will make your hearts and souls glow with the love of God.  All-in-all, you’ll discover how wonderfully modern it is to go back to the future and study the ancient Church, so still very much alive and new.
 The rectory front door is open at 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday, so just walk in and join the other 20 or 30 parishioners who have already discovered the fun of Church history and come each week. Pick up a few St. Monica Institute book marks at all the church exits: great reminders to read during the summer. ---Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Susan Perretta, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Mary Louise Deluca, Viola S. Russo, William Speranza, George Lampman, Robert Geikie, Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, Paul Dudash, John Borron, Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, Wallace Stewart.

3 GREAT upcoming EVENTS:

AROUND the World DINNER:
 Sunday, June 22nd at 5:00 p.m.: Our annual fund raising supper and auction.  Please join us to help raise funds to repair our church bell tower. Tickets:  $100 each.  Details to follow!
 
MONASTIC RENEWAL OF SAINT BENEDICT: 11 a.m. Lecture/ 12:00 noon Choir Mass:  Sunday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m.: Father Cassian Folsom, founding Prior of the Monastery of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St. Benedict, will speak on Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican II, in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, followed by 12 noon Solemn Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The choir will sing the Tu Es Petrus Mass setting by Palestrina. All are welcome.

Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th:  Parish picnic at Cove Island.

Young Adult Faith on Tap… For men and women in their 20’s and 30’s normally at Bennigan’s Restaurant – just across the street - from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of each month. THIS MONTH: Our JUNE 9th meeting will take place at the Parish Rectory, 279 Atlantic Street – COOKOUT. Bring a friend!

Banns of Marriage:    1st:  Ryan T. Supple & Mitchell Guevara
            3rd:  Vu Nhat Tran & Thao Vu
Sunday, June 1, 2008    $ 12,415.00

Sunday, June 3, 2007    $ 11,642.64

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

Hymns for this weekend . . . (1) 246  (2) 187. The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory.  If you’ve got high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies will next meet on June 11th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory:  History of the Monks of Syria: led by Doctor Lois Gandt, we will read English translations of the works by St. Theodoret of Cyrrhus.  All are welcome.  Please join us.

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a summer introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni.

Bible Study…Monthly meetings. Our next meeting is June 19th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  We’re reading the Book of Revelation.  All are welcome!

Moms & Tots . . . a group of moms and children meet with Fr. Walsh each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in church for Eucharistic adoration, followed by snacks in the parish hall. Please join us.  Our next meeting will be on July 8th.

Credit Card Offertory…Make weekly or monthly donations by credit card. You can set up recurring credit card donations with the church secretary.  She can take your information over the telephone.  Call 324-1553 x21.

COFFEE HOUR…Not during the summer. Will return in September.

The Cardinal . . . We’re looking for anyone who appeared in that film, shot at Saint John’s in 1961. Even if only on screen for a moment as one of the school children or inside the church, please give me a call.  Msgr. DiGiovanni—324-1553, ext. 11
 
Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church. If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Join the Conversation . . . Bishop William Lori has started a “blog” to share news: www.BishopLoriBlog.org.

St. John’s In the News…
. . .100 years ago, or so:

The Stamford Advocate:
June 11, 1869: A CARD. “The children of St. John’s Roman Catholic Sunday School, take this method of expressing their thanks to Mr. Isaac Sellect, for the free use of his beautiful and romantic grounds, known as “Latin’s Rocks,” on the occasion of their first annual Picnic, held June 3rd, 1869. To Mrs. J. Ayres – that estimable lady whose kindness to us during the Fair will not be forgotten; and who so generously sent us a supply of ice-cream for our Picnic – we acknowledge our heartfelt indebtedness. Capt. Skiddy, for the generous loan of flags, will please accept our best thanks. J. B. Knapp, Esq., may rest assured that his liberal supply of ice, will in no way tend to chill our tender affection for him. Our Sunday-school teachers, who contributed so largely to our amusement during the day, will be remembered with lively gratitude. P. REILLY, Supt.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
June 9, 1894: STAMFORD.  “On Tuesday evening the Catholics of Stamford gathered at the parochial residence on Atlantic street to manifest, by their presence and enthusiasm, their love and respect for their former pastor, Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney. It was his first visit to Stamford since being elected Bishop and he received a right royal welcome. All the societies connected with the parish headed by St. John’s band, marched to the residence of Father Rogers, which was decorated in a very beautiful and artistic manner with American flags, bunting and Chinese lanterns. The moment the bishop and visiting clergyment appeared, cheer after cheer broke forth. Father Rogers introduced the Bishop in his usual cheerful way. Bishop Tierney declared that such a demonstration and reception was entirely unexpected and was only another token of the many which the people of Stamford ever manifested to him. Music and fireworks closed an evening which will long be remembered by all who were present. Thursday morning the sacrament of confirmation was administered by Bishop Tierney to five hundred children and thirty-six adults at St. John’s church. Every seat of the large edifice was filled , many standing during the entire service.”

The Stamford Advocate:
June 15, 1908: “Father Matthew of the Franciscan order closed the three days’ devotion which has been conducted in St. John’s R. C. Church by his order, yesterday. His sermons, both in the morning and evening, made a deep impression on the congregations. He has a remarkable voice with wonderful carrying power, and at times he could be heard right out on the street. He devoted a considerable portion of his morning sermon to the inconsistency of the attitude of many in rejecting mysteries of church doctrine, and accepting without question far greater mysteries in science and in nature. He instanced a number of scientific facts, which nobody can explain but the existence of which no one disputes. This theme was suggested by Trinity Sunday, and the great mystery of the Trinity.”

Mass Intentions
Saturday, June 7
4:00 +Elizabeth Daly req. Leon

Sunday, June 8
  7:30 Special Intention Richard Paul Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
10:00 Special Intention
12:00 Msgr. DiGiovanni – God’s Blessings req. Our Lady of Loreto Altar Guild
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, June 9
  8:00 +Rose Faugno, req. Beth & Frank Carpanzano
12:10 +Nicholas, Eva, Charles, Charles, Jr. Anne & Joseph Kronk req. Mary Churley

Tuesday, June 10
  8:00 Special Intention Stephen Piatt
12:10 Special Intention Yolanda Rodriguez

Wednesday, June 11
   8:00 +Joseph Villamagna req. Friends
 12:10 Special Intention Diane Strain req. The Valles Family

Thursday, June 12
8:00 In Honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus req. Fabiola C.
12:10   +Dominick Sanseverino req. Pinto Family

Friday, June 13
  8:00 +Norman Baker Jr. req. Family
12:10 +Edward Boreski req. Stephen O’Hara

Saturday, June 14
  8:00 +Hope & Joseph McAleer req. Family
12:10    +William Mancusi req. Mr. & Mrs. Antonio Marchetti

Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St, Stamford. 

Eucharistic Adoration:  Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

Are you a registered parishioner? … If not, please visit the parish office Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or call the office for more information [ext 21 or 17].

Sponsor Certificates for Baptism or Confirmation …are happily given to parishioners of St. John’s, i.e. those whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or can be verified by the records of the weekly offertory (envelopes).        

Holy Name Society . . . for all men of the parish: the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration benediction & prayer, from 7:00-8:00 a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a pot luck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

St. Maria Goretti Society. . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th-12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.


Prayer
                                 (a clarification)       -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 petitionary prayer grows more refined because our awareness of our vocation becomes clearer to us. 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 . . . “The audience assembled on Sunday morning last”  [May 30, 1886] “at 10 o’clock in the new Catholic church of Stamford, was limited only by the capacity of the building, which spacious as it is, could not contain all who sought admission within its walls. While hundreds more stood outside, not less than twenty-five hundred people, obtained entrance, and witnessed the impressive ceremonial of dedication by the Rt. Rev. Bishop McMahon and the priests chosen as his assistants for the occasion.” Thus did the Stamford Advocate begin its report of the dedication ceremonies of the upper church, adding, “The new church is undoubtedly one of the very finest ecclesiastical edifices in the state.” [The Stamford Advocate, June 1, 1886]
 The property was purchased in 1870 by the pastor, Father John Fagan, from Andrew J. Bell for $12,000. Unwilling to sell to any Catholic, the assistance of a Protestant gentleman with pro-Catholic sentiments was secured. Mr. Henry T. Smith purchased the land, and then sold it to the parish. Original plans were drawn up by James Murphy of Providence, R.I., and the cornerstone laid on June 23, 1872. Work began in earnest by the Murphy & Kennedy Company during the pastorate of Father Michael Tierney, and the lower church opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1876. There the work stopped for lack of funds. Father William Rogers renewed the work in 1882, contracting John Ennis, who “devoted himself almost exclusively to this work for the last four years.” [ibid.] Total construction time was 16 years to complete our church.
 The stone, front steps and altar attracted especial notice from the newspapers. According to the New York Times, the stone used for the church was quarried at Leeds Island, near New Haven, “from which the stone used for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty came.” [N.Y. Times, May 31, 1886] The pink granite exterior steps, as well as the granite hand rails on the front entrances [each weighing 8 tons!], came from the same quarry. The altar is of Italian and American white marbles, with Mexican onyx columns and decorations, and was pronounced to be “the most beautiful altar in the United States.” [The Stamford Advocate, November 20, 1885]
 All in all, Stamford was quite impressed: Saint John’s was the largest church in the state, and the ceremonies were attended by nearly the entire 4,000 person Catholic population of the city, with 25 priests and the Bishop of Hartford, and 24 other assistants and seminarians attending. Nowhere in Yankee Connecticut had there been such an expression of the rapid growth of the Church as on May 30, 1886 in Stamford, an up-and-coming city in southwestern Fairfield County.  The preacher for the day was Father Ignatius Horstmann, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, who reminded those assembled of the pace of Catholic growth in town: “What a change forty years have brought about in the Catholic Church here in Stamford. The progress of Catholicity in your midst can be read from these facts: from the Mass offered up in private houses to the modest frame chapel on Meadow Street, that was twice enlarged and improved, then to this magnificent structure worthy to be called a cathedral. At first a few faithful, now one-third of the entire population of the town.” [The Connecticut Catholic, June 5, 1886]
 All the accounts, besides narrating the beauty of the building, commented on the extraordinary cost of construction: $250,000, and the fact that there only remained  $50,000 in debt. The devotion of the Catholics of Stamford to Stamford’s Mother parish was evident then, and continues today.  As St. John’s was the home to the first Catholic immigrants to the Stamford area, so we continue, offering assistance and a spiritual home to all Stamford. Happy Anniversary, St. John’s! –Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Susan Perretta, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Viola S. Russo, William Speranza, George Lampman, Robert Geikie, Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, Paul Dudash, John Borron, Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, Wallace Stewart.

3 GREAT upcoming EVENTS:

AROUND the World DINNER:
Sunday, June 22nd at 5:00 p.m.: Our annual fund raising supper and auction.  Please join us to help raise funds to repair our church bell tower. Tickets:  $100 each.  Details to follow!
 
MONASTIC RENEWAL OF SAINT BENEDICT: 11 a.m. Lecture and 12 noon Choir Mass:
Sunday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m.: Father Cassian Folsom, founding Prior of the Monastery of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St. Benedict, will speak on Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican II, in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, followed by 12 noon Solemn Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The choir will sing the Tu Es Petrus Mass setting by Palestrina. All are welcome.

Parish Picnic:
Sunday, September 14th:  Parish picnic at Cove Island.

Moms & Tots . . . a group of moms and children meet with Fr. Walsh each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in church for Eucharistic adoration, followed by snacks in the parish hall. Please join us.  Our next meeting will be on June 3rd.

Young Adult Faith on Tap… For men and women in their 20’s and 30’s normally at Bennigan’s Restaurant – just across the street - from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  We’ll meet there the 2nd Monday of each month. But, our JUNE 9th meeting will take place at the Parish Rectory, 279 Atlantic Street – COOKOUT. Bring a friend!

Banns of Marriage:  2nd  Vu Nhat Tran & Thao Vu

Sunday, May 25, 2008    $ 10,712.00
Sunday, May 27, 2007    $ 8,326.85
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Hymns for this weekend: (1) 225  (2) 234.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory.  If you’ve got high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies will next meet on June 4th at 7:30 pm in the rectory: History of the Monks of Syria: led by Doctor Lois Gandt, we will read English translations of the works by St. Theodoret of Cyrrhus.  All are welcome.  Please join us.

Bible Study…Monthly meetings. Our next meeting is June 19th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  We’re reading the Book of Revelation.  All are welcome!

COFFEE HOUR…Not during the summer. Will return in September.

The Cardinal . . . We’re looking for anyone who appeared in that film, shot at Saint John’s in 1961. Even if only on screen for a moment as one of the school children or inside the church, please give me a call.
Msgr. DiGiovanni—324-1553, ext. 11

St. Maria Goretti Society…For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 9th - 12th grades will meet on Sunday, June 1st after the 12:00 noon Mass from 1:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  in the Rectory.  For more information, please call Rosa Marchetti at 348-0232.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church. If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Join the Conversation . . . Bishop William Lori has started a “blog” to share news: www.BishopLoriBlog.org.

 St. John’s In the News…100 years ago, or so:

The Connecticut Catholic:
June 4, 1881: STAMFORD. “In spite of the blinding northeastern rain storm that raged last Friday evening, all the sodalities and a large number of St. John’s congregation came together in the unfinished portion of the church to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Rev. Father Rogers elevation to the priesthood.  For a few days before, Father Rogers had been surmising that something of an unusual and interesting character was transpiring among the sodalities, but it was not until 7:30 o’clock on the evening in question, that he got in possession of the pleasing fact that they were about to manifest their appreciation of his eight years of zealous and self sacrificing labors among them by presenting him with an address, a beautiful chalice and a gold water vessel.  At the hour named, a messenger informed him that his presence was desired in the church, and he proceeded there at once, entirely unconscious of the real purpose for which he was wanted.  On entering, a scene presented itself for him that at once astonished and bewildered him.  Before him, in neat attire, and wearing the regalia of their orders, five sodalities were arrayed, viz. Children of Mary, Holy Angels, St. Aloysius, and Sacred Heart.  On a platform improvised for the occasion, the glittering testimonials were arranged, on the right of which stood an immense basket of rare flowers, and on the left an illuminated address encased in a superb frame.  Father Rogers having taken his seat, to which he had been conducted by the Rev. Father Walsh, and having recovered from his surprise, the sodalities under the leadership of Sister Gabriel, who presided at the organ, broke into a song of “Welcome to Our Pastor,” filling the church with harmony.  Then Master D. Hanrahan delivered the following address in a clear, well modulated voice: “Reverend and very dear Father – Long have we desired to testify our gratitude and give expression to the sentiments of sincere affection which animate our hearts, and anxiously have we looked forward to an occasion like this, that we might be permitted to do so. Be assured, dear Father, we are not insensible to the more than paternal solicitude in the desire we feel to make an adequate return, but conscious of our inability to do so, we must give vent to our feelings in words.  For this purpose we have assembled here this evening and called you in or midst to thank you, our fine and devoted Father, for your generous disinterestedness toward us.  Our warmest expressions would faintly convey to you the affection which prompts the effusion of our sentiments in your regard.  A return for all this we cannot hope to make.  No, we leave the reward to Him to bestow who is the principle of all your actions, and whose holy spirit animates your zeal, and if He has promised not to be unmindful of a cup of cold water, given in His name, what may we not hope for, for you?  You who have given your life, your health, your talents, your all, to His divide service.  We pray with all the fervor of our souls that a long life of usefulness may be given you, and that St. John’s may ever enjoy the fruits of your ministry.  Dear Father, we have a little favor to ask; and that is your gracious acceptance of this little gift, a trifling testimonial of the reverence and esteem in which your memory is enshrined in the hearts of your devoted children of St. John’s”.” (Editor’s Note – The Reverend William H. Rogers was pastor from 1876 to 1900. The Sanctuary Lamp was a gift to Father Rogers on the occasion of his 25th anniversary held on June 3, 1896.)

Credit Card Offertory…Make weekly or monthly donations by credit card. You can set up recurring credit card donations with the church secretary.  She can take your information over the telephone.  Call 324-1553 x21.

Mass Intentions
Saturday, May 31
4:00 +DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco & Edwin Clark req. John & Joan Kronk
Sunday, June 1
  7:30 People of the Parish
10:00 Rev. Msgr. Nagle Birthday req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
12:00 Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus req. Anne Marie Samedi
 6:00 +Laverne Bernard req. Shirley Hinnau
Monday, June 2
  8:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
12:10 +Amy Reed req. Luz Contreras
Tuesday, June 3
  8:00 +Dila Haidar req. Granddaughter
12:10 +Elizabeth Daly req. Family
Wednesday, June 4
   8:00 Thanksgiving Wedding Anniversary William & Josephine McGraw req. William & Josephine McGraw
 12:10 In Honor of St. Francis req. Maria
Thursday, June 5
8:00 Special Intention Birgitta O’Brien-Costantino
12:10   +Mr. Octavias & Venilia Mehu req. by their grandchildren
Friday, June 6
  8:00 Special Intention Molly Festo
12:10 +Patrick & Vera Dandry req. John Pascale
Saturday, June 7
  8:00 Special Intention Henry Saraniero req. Sharon Gannon
12:10    +James Pepe req. Mr. & Mrs. Antonio Marchetti

Novena of the Miraculous Medal:  Mondays, 8:30 a.m.

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St, Stamford. 

Eucharistic Adoration:  Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

Are you a registered parishioner? … If not, please visit the parish office Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or call the office for more information [ext 21 or 17].

Sponsor Certificates for Baptism or Confirmation …are happily given to parishioners of St. John’s, i.e. those whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or can be verified by the records of the weekly offertory (envelopes).        

Holy Name Society . . . for all men of the parish: the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration benediction & prayer, from 7:00-8:00 a.m.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly on a Sunday evening for the whole family, with Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a pot luck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of boys from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

The Battle of Prayer
                             (Prayer II – Revisited)    -Fr. Terry Walsh
 Why is prayer a ‘battle’? There are many ‘erroneous notions’ of prayer, as the Catechism calls them, which we must battle. “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. Many Christians unconsciously regard prayer as an occupation that is incompatible with all the other things they have to do: they ‘don’t have the time.’ Those who seek God by prayer are quickly discouraged because they do not know that prayer comes also from the Holy Spirit and not from themselves alone”(ccc2726). Consider meditating on Paul’s letter to the Romans, ch.8 as well as the 4th part of the Catechism (“Christian Prayer” –it helps us understand the nature of prayer as well as how to pray in very practical ways). Often times, prayer involves a battle against distractions or perhaps dryness. But these are overcome by simply turning our hearts to God and asking for His help. When we humbly ask for the grace to pray better, to be consoled, to let go of distractions and to be nourished by divine grace, we will be given all we need and more. That’s not to say we won’t have to struggle from time to time. Yet, even in those periods of difficulty, our Lord is walking with us, helping us to put aside presumption and despair and instead walk the humble path of love and trust.  Perhaps you might simply pray: “Come, Holy Spirit, free my heart and mind of all distractions during this Holy Mass, or during this prayer of the Rosary, or during my reading and meditating on the Scriptures.” What a wonderful prayer of trust and fidelity. We already know that apart from Jesus we can do nothing. He’s already made that abundantly clear in the Allegory of the Vine and the Branches (Jn 15). All good things come from Him and prayer opens our hearts to a greater appreciation of his goodness to us and our complete dependence upon Him. Augustine wrote, “God wills that our desire should be exercised in prayer, that we may be able to receive what he is prepared to give.” But are we willing to be transformed and come to desire “the things that are above” – the graces of faith, hope, and love that form us into “new creations” and lead us to a new spiritual strength and wisdom that ‘enables the soul to rule the body’? Consider the words of St. Ambrose, “That man is rightly called a king who makes his own body an obedient subject and, by governing himself with suitable rigor, refuses to let his passions breed rebellion in his soul, for he exercises a kind of royal power over himself. And because he knows how to rule his own person as king, so too does he sit as its judge. He will not let himself be imprisoned by sin, or thrown headlong into wickedness.” Prayer is indispensable in realizing this spiritual maturity.
Consider a lesson from the Catechism: “The great figures of prayer of the Old Covenant before Christ, as well as the Mother of God, the saints, and he himself, all teach us this: Prayer is a battle. Against whom? Against ourselves and against the wiles of the tempter who does all he can to turn man away from prayer, away from union with God. We pray as we live, because we live as we pray. If we do not want to act habitually according to the Spirit of Christ, neither can we pray habitually in His name. The ‘spiritual battle’ of the Christian’s new life is inseparable from the battle of prayer”(ccc 2725).