Pastor’s Corner . . .My duty in late August was a simple one: write letters to the Fabbrica di San Pietro asking that two parishioners of St. John’s Parish, along with six Jewish friends from Stamford, be granted admittance to the Tomb of Saint Peter below the high altar of the Vatican basilica.  They were to arrive in mid-October. No response was received until one week before their arrival. So, I dressed myself up in my best clerical duds and marched over to the Vatican office.  “Impossibile!”, was the repeated answer to my request, even after I turned on the charm and launched into my best humble-begging mode. Not a budge—until, a middle-aged gentleman burst into the room carrying boxes.  Perspiring heavily, and gulping air as he carried his load in the overheated humid City, he barely took any more notice of me than an ill-tempered cat might of its owner. Then he gave me a second look, put down his packages and marched over to examine me at closer range, smiled and pointed to me stating, as if having just made a remarkable discovery: “Tu sei DiGiovanni—I remember you when you began as a guide to the excavations in 1974.” Paolo Parotta, who then had been on the lowest rung of the ladder at the Ufficio degli Scavi, was now its directory!  He had begun work in the office the same year I began as a guide while a seminarian. And now he cut me a deal so the parishioners of St. John’s and my Jewish friends from Stamford might gain access to the excavations beneath the basilica: the tickets were mine, but only if I agreed to lead tours in English at least twice each week during my three month stay in Rome.  Two weeks of intensive study later, I was, once again, an official Vatican guide.
 Thus began one of the most delighted of the activities of my 90 day sabbatical: leading hundreds of people through the excavations: believers and non-believers; archaeologists, art historians, tourists, doctoral candidates and housewives from New Jersey—all were impressed and fascinated as we walked down 1st century streets and passed 2nd century two and three storey house tombs, now ninety feet below the pavement level of the basilica. But all—believers or not—spent time at the end of the tour in the small Cappella Clementina at the Tomb of Saint Peter; some in silent prayer, others reflecting on the facts they’d just heard, wrestling with the possibility that all the Catholic Church teaches and is might be true, because Saint Peter really did exist, really did come to Rome, really did suffer and die a martyr. If God had become a man, and Peter was witness to this as the Rock upon which Christ built His Catholic Church, then that reality might have to be taken more seriously in daily life.
 St. Peter reminded believers of this when he wrote his first letter, penned while he was in Rome: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.”[I Peter 5: 6-7] 
 My boxes have been sent back to Stamford, and my bags are packed. This is the last of my notes from Rome, since I leave Friday morning for Stamford—home. There will be no consideration allowed either for my old age or for my jetlag, since Fr. Walsh has assigned me to confessions and Masses already! I am very grateful to Fr. Walsh and to Fr. Audette for watching over the parish during my absence. They have done a superb job, and I am very grateful to them both. We are so very blessed to have them both here! While I will miss Rome, I am delighted to return to Saint John’s to be with them again.  
Refreshed by my time with Saint Peter, I look forward to seeing you all this weekend. --Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick…Lorraine Lindahl, Marilyn Fabio, Robert Geikie, Alan Comier, Barbara Schuerger, Brady Rodgers, Mary Anne Vagnone, Gail Ruge, Msgr. Constantino Caldas, Madam Wong Oi Ling, Fiona Farrell, Gerard Albert, Christina Hanlon, Lisa Farina, Corrie M. Evans, Joseph M. Kirkland, Joan Bankowski, Evelyn Bauman, Resa Mestel, Felix D’Olimpio

Please pray for those who have recently died…Msgr. Edward Petty, Robert A Kingsley, Rose A. Roman, Simone Parisi, Helen Carr, Bishop Han Dingxiang, in China; Mary Ellen Armstrong, Eleanor Keating, William E. Thomson III,

PLEASE NOTE: Coffee Hour This Sunday… is being replaced by the Christmas Cookie Café at the Christmas Fair in Msgr. Nagle Hall.  Please come downstairs and join the festivities.

CHRISTMAS FAIR…This weekend Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Please support this fair and help pay for this winter’s heating bills for our beautiful Church.
 
December 8th . . . the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception IS a Holy day of Obligation; Catholics are obliged to attend Mass: Vigil Mass on Friday December 7th, at 5:15 pm; on Saturday, December 8th 8:00 am and 12:10 p.m. 
Note: The 4pm mass on December 8th is the Sunday Vigil Mass – it is NOT the Mass of the Immaculate Conception.

ADVENT MISSION: with Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R.
On Tuesday, December 4th at 7:30 p.m.  “Make Straight the Way of the Lord”
On Wednesday, December 5th at 7:30 p.m.  “The Mystery of the Incarnation”
The Advent Mission will be held in the church, with opportunity for Confession.  All are welcome.’

Moms and children of all ages…Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Marian Altar on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. followed by a social gathering in the Church Hall at about 10:30 a.m.  (Bring your own food for early lunch with the tots) Of course, there is Confession available beginning at 11:30 a.m. and Mass at 12:10 p.m. for all.  See you on the 1st Tuesday…

THEOLOGY ON TAP will meet on December 13th: Hollywood: Friend or Foe. Stephen and Richard Payne will discuss Catholic Film making.

The Montfort Academy Information Night…A classical Catholic high school with separate boys’ and girls’ divisions, is pleased to announce its Information Night, which will be on Thursday, December 13th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Montfort teachers, parents and students will be on hand to answer questions.  Refreshments will be served.  For more information, please contact the school at 914-767-0325, or visit www.themontfortacademy.org.  The Montfort Academy is located at 99 Valley Road in Katonah, New York.

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

Sunday, November 25, 2007     $ 10,778.00

Sunday, November 26, 2006      $ 12,590.78
“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) 8  (2) 4.  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 brevis – Antonio Lotti, 1667-1740. Offertory Motet: Canite Tuba in Sion – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1525-1594 (Blow the trumpet in Sion, for the day of the Lord is near: behold, he comes to save us. The crooked shall be made straight and the rough places smooth. Come, Lord, and do not delay. Alleluia. [from Isaiah]). Communion Motet: Conditor alme siderum – Guillaume Dufay, 1397-1474 (The translation may be found in the hymnal at No. 2.). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Alleluia Ostende nobis (Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. [Psalm 85:8]); Offertory Ad te Domine (Unto you, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul; O my God, I trust in you, let me not be put to shame; do not allow my enemies to laugh at me; for none of those who are awaiting you will be disappointed. [Psalm 25:1-3]); Communion Dominus dabit benignitatem (The Lord will bestow his loving kindness, and our land will yield its fruit. [Psalm 85:13]).

Charis Chamber Voices ... “Charis is the finest chamber choir in Westchester, with a blend, a virtuosity, a clarity and command of pitch found in very few choruses.” (New York Times, Oct. 2000). Artistic Director Scott Turkington will present A Candlelight Christmas Concert, featuring Antonio Vivaldi’s joyous Gloria and Magnificat, accompanied by chamber orchestra, as well as traditional carols of the season. Sunday, December 9 at 4 p.m. The concert will be followed by a reception. Suggested donation is $25, $20 for seniors and students. Tickets available at the door or call 914-931-6575 or visit www.CharisVocals.com.

Gospel of Life Society…Meeting At St. Mary Church, 669 West Ave, Norwalk, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., in the school behind the Church, after the Pro-life Mass at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec 8th Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, author of many wonderful books on the role of women, motherhood, and the spiritual world of women, will be speaking. Her latest book is called “Prayfully Expecting:  A Nine Month Novena for Mothers-to-Be”. The meeting will also include a review of Pope John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae by Fr. Greg Markey, legislative and Pro-life non-profits activities, and Gospel of Life projects. All are welcome! Refreshments! For information, contact Eileen Bianchini, (203) 847-5727 or stmarygols@aol.com.

Birthright …needs a special someone…YOU! 
Birthright is an emergency pregnancy service offering practical help and encouragement to any woman who is distressed by her pregnancy.  Our guiding principle is “It is the RIGHT of every pregnant woman to give BIRTH and the RIGHT of every child to be BORN.” Join today as a friendship counselor (training provided), clerical or clothing helper.  Eleven (11) chapters are in Connecticut Call 1-800-550-4900 for nearest chapter.

Bible Study will resume in January.

Fiesta Guadalupe! …Come celebrate with the Sisters of Life at Villa Maria Guadalupe on Sunday, December 9th, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.!  Mass will celebrated by Fr. Paul Check, followed by authentic Mexican food, a dramatic presentation of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego, and a talk on the symbolism of the image Our Lady left on the tilma.  Please RSVP to Sr. Giovanna, at 203-329-1492.  Villa Maria Guadalupe is located at 159 Sky Meadow Drive, off of High Ridge Road, 2 miles north of the Merritt Parkway.  The Sisters of Life will again host a series of meditations on Advent on the evenings of December 9th, 16th, and 23rd, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at our Villa Maria Guadalupe.  Sr. Mary Gabriel will begin the series December 9th, Mother Agnes Mary will speak on December 16th, and Sr. Dorothy Guadalupe will finish the series on December 23rd.  We begin with the meditation, then offer adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and end with chanting the Evening Prayer of the church, Vespers.  All are invited!!! 

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

THE BOSTON PILOT
December 7, 1873  Rev. John Fagan, Stamford, Conn. “The Hartford diocese mourns for one of its most distinguished and cherished pastors; and in the death of the Rev. John Fagan, the Catholic citizens of Stamford, for the third time in the history of the parish, mourn the loss of a dearly beloved pastor. Overtaxed by the severe labors and arduous duties entailed in the erection of his new church, during the past two years, his health became gradually impaired. Father Fagan passed from time into a happy eternity on Friday morning, Dec. 5, and his funeral on the following day, was attended by an unusually large number of his brother clergymen as well as the laity. Father Fagan was born in the city of Providence, R.I., and at his death was 37 years old. He pursued his collegiate studies at Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass., and completed his theological studies at St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, Md. He commenced his ecclesiastical duties in the city of Waterbury, where he remained about a year and a half, till he was appointed as pastor of Collinsville. After seven years of severe missionary duty in the latter place he was, on the death of Father O’Neill, of Stamford, removed to fill that vacancy.”

THE STAMFORD ADVOCATE
December 9, 1907:  “St. Anne’s Ladies’ Aid Society held a meeting, yesterday afternoon, at which it was decided to give an entertainment in Realty Hall, Jan. 15 and 16. An Irish play will be given. A number will appear in the cast who have won favor heretofore on the amateur stage. The society will continue its usual practice of sending out Christmas baskets to poor families. Contributions for this work will be gratefully received.”

THE NEW YORK TIMES
December 8, 1963: “Many Stamford residents will see themselves, in street scenes and at St. John’s Roman Catholic church on Atlantic Street, at a special showing of the film “The Cardinal” on the night of Dec. 23 at the Palace Theatre here.”

Mass Intentions

Saturday, December 1
4:00 Catherine Lanyon req. Eve Miles & son Thomas Miles & Family
Sunday, December 2
  7:30 +Mr. & Mrs. Docimo req. daughter Maria
10:00 All Souls req. Bosilevas Family
12:00 +Marie Zelin req. Josephine Languedoc
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane
Monday, December 3
  8:00 People of the Parish
12:10 +Deceased member of the Lampman Family req.  George Lampman
Tuesday, December 4
  8:00 +Gean Considine req. Patrick Naughton
12:10 Nelly Gill req. Maria
Wednesday, December 5
   8:00 Special Intention Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni
 12:10 +Ethel W. Strack req. Ann Armstrong
Thursday, December 6
  8:00 +Carrie Stuart req. David Lancaster
12:10      +Kevin Harrington req. Parents
Friday, December 7
  8:00 Thanksgiving To God
12:10 In gratitude to the Holy Trinity for Graces Received req. Josephine Languedoc
5:15 Vigil  Mass Immaculate Conception: People of the Parish
Saturday, December 8:IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
  8:00 Charlie Paulin & Family req. The Cassidy Family
12:10    In honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary req. Ferry Galbert

Holy Name Society . . . for all men of the parish, meets in the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration Benediction & prayer, from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m.  Just walk in the rectory front door.

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 Sponsors…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).        

St. Maria Goretti Society…For the spiritual formation of girls from 9th - 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  For more information, please call Rosa Marchetti at 348-023.

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.
 
Parents of our Religious Education Students…Are invited to meet each Sunday morning in the Parish Rectory with Father Walsh to discuss our Catholic Faith. Come join us for a cup of coffee and an opportunity to grow in knowledge and understanding of our faith.

Mary’s Reply
- Fr. Terry Walsh
 The Solemnities of the Immaculate Conception, the Annunciation, and the Nativity of Jesus Christ are intertwined in the explosive mystery of love emanating from the Holy Trinity. By a special grace, God created the soul of the Virgin Mary to be the Immaculate Temple of His only begotten Son, “…born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons”(Galatians 4:4). Through Her faith, Mary freely gave Her will over to the Father, thus making it possible for the 2nd Person of the Holy Trinity to become Incarnate through Her. Saint Bernard wrote a beautiful homily in praise of our Lady’s Fiat. What great anticipation he evokes in our hearts to begin this Advent Season. He wrote:
“You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us. The price of our salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once if you consent. In the eternal Word of God we all came to be, and behold, we die. In your brief response we are to be remade in order to be recalled to life. Tearful Adam with his sorrowing family begs this of you, O loving Virgin, in their exile from Paradise. Abraham begs it, David begs it. All the other holy patriarchs, your ancestors, ask it of you, as they dwell in the country of the shadow of death. This is what the whole earth waits for, prostrate at your feet. It is right in doing so, for on your word depends comfort for the wretched, ransom for the captive, freedom for the condemned, indeed, salvation for all the sons of Adam, the whole of your race. Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breath a passing word, embrace the eternal Word. Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise, and receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is no time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone, O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous. Though modest silence is pleasing, dutiful speech is now more necessary. Open your heart to faith, O blessed Virgin, your lips to praise, your womb to the Creator. See, the desired of all nations is at your door, knocking to enter. If he should pass by because of your delay, in sorrow you would begin to seek him afresh, the One whom your soul loves. Arise, hasten, open. Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word.”
“Proclaim the Good News among the nations: Our God will come to save us.” –Advent Antiphon