Pastor’s Corner . . . For the majority of mortals residing in New England, January holds little more than gray, gloomy and cold days, remembered only by the seeming eternity with which their bleak hours pass. But in the hands of an historian, they can be transmuted into something more impressive.  For example, January 26th, 1851 was just another such miserable mid-winter’s day for the inhabitants of Stamford, except for a handful of impoverished Catholic Irish immigrants and one travel-wearied bishop, who gathered to dedicate the wooden clapboard chapel of Saint John the Evangelist, then located on Meadow Street—where the Mariott stands today. The event merited a few lines on the bottom of the page, very well beneath the fold: “This very neat edifice which has been recently finished, on Meadow Street, in this village, was dedicated on Sunday last by appropriate ceremonies.  The services were conducted by the Right Rev. Bernard O’Riley, of Providence, R.I.” Ground breaking for the first St. John’s had been on July 4, 1849.  When completed, the wooden chapel measured 60 by 40 feet, and was under the jurisdiction and care of Father John C. Brady, pastor of St. Mary’s in Norwalk, who lived on Cove Road in Stamford, mid-way between both towns. 
                   While there were no more than about 100 Catholics in town, the anti-Catholic rhetoric heated up. In July 1853, the Know-Nothing Party began organizing in Connecticut, with its constitution stating: Its object shall be to resist the insidious policy of the Church of Rome, and all other foreign influences against the institutions of our country, by placing in all offices in the gift of the people, whether by election or appointment, none but native-born Protestant citizens.”  In the view of the Know-Nothing Party, the masses of illiterate Catholic immigrants were controlled by parish priests, who owed allegiance to the bishops, who took orders from the pope, whose united object was the papal conquest of America. It all sounds silly today, but these fears allowed the Know-Nothings to capture the Connecticut state house in the 1855 election for William T. Minor—a lawyer from Stamford. In his inaugural address, Governor Minor condemned the immigrants saying that “as a manner of policy connected with the privilege of citizenship to be conferred upon the alien, we have the right to enquire how far the allegiance due from the members of the Romish Church to their spiritual head is compatable with the allegiance due their adopted country.”[Republican Framer, May 8, 1855]. The governor’s anti-Catholic legislation followed on June 25, 1855, denying only the Roman Catholic Church the right to corporate ownership of property.  Other specifically anti-Catholic laws, and frequent anti-Catholic articles in local newspapers throughout Fairfield County, only had the opposite effect on the Church. The Catholic immigrants kept arriving, and, beaten up at every turn, they banded together and forged a very strong Catholic identity that far outlived the Know-Nothing Party.
     These two-fisted Catholic forbearers of ours are the men and women who built our present church.  So, happy
anniversary of our dedication!  It may not make your January days less dull, but it should warm your heart knowing that earlier generations of parishioners loved our Catholic faith so much that they endured much to pass it on to us.  Let’s do the same, so we can preserve both faith and parish church for the subsequent generations of Stamford’s Catholics. -- Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Jennifer Tomasello, Eugene Lops, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore, Lorraine Lindahl, Marilyn Fabio, Robert Geikie, Alan Comier, Barbara Schuerger, Brady Rodgers, 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… Antoninette DeMott, Rose Harrington, Maria C. Roldan-Ranero, Frances C. Delaney, Mary Anne Vagnone, Bridget Leen, Lou Tosches, John Darling, Joseph P. Valentine, 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,

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

Coffee Hour… Please join us at the Msgr. Nagle Hall after the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass for coffee and donuts.

Errata number Two: Other parishioners I forgot to thank for their hard work at the Christmas Fair are Nancy Gallagher, Barbara Itri and Ann Meyer.  I’m very grateful!! Msgr. SMD

Lenten Parish Mission. . . will be March 3rd , 4th  & 5th at 7:30 p.m. with Fr. Benedict Groeschel.  Plan to attend.

Natural Family Planning . . . A class will be held in the rectory on February 7th at 7:30 p.m. for all couples of the parish. Please contact the rectory [ext. 21] to make a reservation, or call Alex and Lisa Frawley [203-254-6615]

Moms and children of all ages…Our monthly Holy Hour will next meet in the Church on Tuesday, February 5th immediately followed by a time to meet socially in the Church Hall.

Parents of our Religious Education Students…While your kids are in religious education class on Sundays, join us in the Parish Rectory with Father Walsh for a cup of coffee and  learn more about our Catholic Faith.

St. Monica Institute . . . Meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  We are parishioners who study the writings of the early Church. YOU NEED NOT BE SCHOLARS: we read everything in English and join in open discussions of the texts. The next meeting is Wednesday, January 23rd. Please, join us.

Bible Study… We meet every third Thursday of each month. [Except in MARCH, which is Holy Thursday]. We’re reading the Book of Revelation. All are welcome!

Trinity Catholic Middle School will host an Open House on Monday, January 28th, from 6:00 – 8:00. p.m.  There will also be a Visitors’ Day on February 1st, from 9:00 -10:30 a.m.

For Caretakers of the Elderly and Infirmed…The Sisters of Life at Villa Maria Guadalupe are hosting a special Day of Recollection, by Fr. Tad Pacholczyk, Director of Education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center: January 26th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Please call for reservations:  203-329-1492.

Sunday, January 13, 2008     $ 11,822.00
Sunday, January 14, 2007     $ 11,389.42

“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) 223  (2) 110.  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 ‘Simile est regnum coelorum’ – Tomás Luis de Victoria, 1548-1611. Offertory motet: Jubilate Deo – Orlandus Lassus, 1532-1594 (O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Lord he is God. [Psalm 100:1,2. Trans. M. Coverdale]). Communion motet: Sicut cervus desiderat – G. P. da Palestrina, 1525-1594 (Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks : so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is athirst for God. [Psalm 42:1,2]). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Alleluia Laudate Deum (Praise God, all his Angels; praise him, all his host. [Ps. 149:2]); Offertory Jubilate Deo (Sing joyfully to God all the earth; let the entire earth cry out with joy to God; sing a psalm in honour of his name. Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what the Lord has done for my soul, alleluia. [Ps. 66:1,2,16]); Communion Laetabimur (We shall rejoice in your salvation; and in the name of our God shall we place our pride. [Ps. 20:6]). Dean Applegate is the guest conductor for today’s Mass.

Sacraments for Adults . . . Any adult, from 18 years and older, who has not yet received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, First Penance or Confirmation, are invited to join us for adult catechism classes in order to receive the sacraments in the spring.  We will meet every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m., beginning at Tuesday, January 22nd through April 8th. Please call the rectory [324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name with the secretary, Providencia.

First Holy Communion Clothing Sales…A selection of dresses, veils, suits, etc… will be available on Saturday, January 19th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 20th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and again on the weekend of January 26th & 27th, in the Saint Gabriel Church Parish Hall off Newfield Avenue, behind Trinity Catholic High School.  Please tell your friends!

Birthright …needs YOUR Help!  Volunteer, please:
Birthright is an emergency pregnancy service offering practical help and encouragement to any woman who is distressed by her pregnancy.  Eleven (11) chapters are in Connecticut Call 1-800-550-4900 for nearest chapter.

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for Healing After Abortion…whether you had an abortion recently or forty years ago, experience the healing love of Jesus on a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat weekend, January 25-27, 2008.  Retreats are small, participation is strictly confidential and participants have their own private room.  For more information, please call the retreat director at 203-218-0291 or e-mail her at Jeremiah31v17@aol.com or visit our website at www.rachelsvineyardbpt.com. 


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

The Stamford Advocate:
January 28, 1851:  The Catholic Church “This very neat edifice, which has been recently finished, on Meadow Street, in this village, was dedicated on Sunday last, by appropriate ceremonies. The services were conducted by the Right Rev. Bishop O’Reilly, of Providence, R. I.”  (This report refers to the original St. John’s Church, which was located on property on which the Stamford Marriott now stands. The article is the first mention of the Stamford Catholic community in The Stamford Advocate newspaper.)
The Connecticut Catholic:

January 20, 1894: Stamford BISHOP TIERNEY. Mgr. Satolli Officially Notifies Father Tierney Of Appointment on Thursday Afternoon.  “It is reported that Rev. Father Tierney of New Britain has been chosen to succeed the late Bishop McMahon. We can imagine no choice that could have given greater satisfaction to the clergy and people of the diocese of Hartford. It is the first time, in several generations, that the bishop has been taken from among our own clergymen, but it has been well worth waiting for since the honor of the first selection was to come to one so well fitted, from every point of view, to wear the purple. To the Catholic people of the diocese of Hartford the welcome news that has been so long looked for has arrived and the choice of the reverend clergy was approved of by our holy father and one beloved, honored and esteemed by them as well as by the laity has been made bishop of the diocese of Hartford.” (The Reverend Michael Tierney was a former pastor of St. John’s, Stamford)

The Connecticut Catholic:

January 27 1899: Stamford “The people take kindly to St. Ann’s  society for it has done good in Stamford. This society was organized by Rev. T. J. Keena, now pastor of St. Lawrence’s in Hartford. A few years ago when the “hard times” caused such suffering throughout the country, other so-called aid societies had attempted to relieve the poor but an applicant for aid had to pass almost a “civil service” examination before being assisted. To a refined, sensitive nature this was worse than poverty itself. When St. Ann’s was organized the poor of all denominations were assisted in a quiet unostentatious manner which has been a credit to the society and the parish.”

The Stamford Advocate:
January 22, 1908: “Rev. Patrick Connors, the Stamford young man who was recently ordained to the priesthood, has been assigned as curate in Westport.”

The Children of Mary Sodality . . .Was one of the most popular groups here at St. John’s during the 1930’s and 1940’s. The Stamford Advocate is filled with articles about their meetings and upcoming events. If any of our senior parishioners have memories or mementoes of the Children of Mary Sodality, I would be delighted to speak with you—come have a cup of coffee at the rectory, and share your treasures with us.  Msgr. D.

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.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, January 19
4:00 Souls in Purgatory

Sunday, January 20
  7:30 +John & Evelyn Sexton req. Hannah Young
10:00 +Stephen, Irene & Nicholas Churley & Anne C. Yaworski req. Mary Churley
12:00 +Maria Preziosi – 15th Anniversary req. Your children, grandchildren & great grandchildren
 6:00  +Daniel Frasier req. Daughter

Monday, January 21
  8:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine     Kane & Family
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.

Tuesday, January 22
  8:00 +Martin & Katie Maloney & Family req. Mary Maloney
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.

Wednesday, January 23
   8:00 +Terry Conners  & Family req. Family
 12:10 +Josephine Martinoli req. Aura R. Diaz

Thursday, January 24
  8:00 +Betsy Woolf req. Fabiola C.
12:10     +Eileen Carr req. Marie Carr

Friday, January 25
  8:00 Special Intention Idalina Estanislau req. Tony Janerio, Jr.
12:10 +Palma Pulafito req. Frank Graham

Saturday, January 26
  8:00 Special Intention Constance Lin req. Tony Janeriro, Jr.
12:10    Fr. Paul N. Check req. Scholastica & Andrew

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. Dominc 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.
 
Novena of the Miraculous Medal:  Monday 8:30 a.m.

Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
- Fr. Terry Walsh
(Revisited)

 As ‘children of the Light’ we are constantly receiving the graces of the Holy Spirit throughout our daily lives. We received this Light at Baptism and provided we are faithful to the Light, it will be kept burning brightly and attract others to the Light. Staying near the Light who is Christ is a deliberate act of our will. Our Lord tells us to ask for whatever you want and He will provide it - provided it is for the good of your soul. If we ask with humility and an ardent desire for union with our Lord, the fountain of grace will gush up from within us. These are the waters where our ‘soul is restored’ and ‘our cup overflows.’ In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us: “The Water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life”(4:14). We receive these graces primarily and ordinarily through the Sacraments – those magnificent ‘encounters with Christ’ who nourishes and sustains us. Through our faithful cooperation, He forms us into ‘children of the Light.’ We receive the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit so that we may grow in virtue and become holy, or as St. Gregory of Nyssa put it, “The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.” What exactly are the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit?
There are 7 Gifts and 12 Fruits. It would be helpful to review the Catechism of the Catholic Church for a more complete understanding (available Online at www.vatican.va and then click on “Compendium”). The Church teaches us that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are “permanent dispositions” which make us docile in following divine inspirations. They are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and Fear of the Lord. We learn in Sacred Scripture that the beginning of Wisdom is ‘Fear of the Lord,’ also called ‘Awe and Wonder’. More specifically, it means to love the things that God loves – namely purity, goodness, truth, and holiness and to hate the things that God hates – namely sin, which harms us and separates us from God. Jesus says, ‘Ask for whatever you want in My Name, I will give it to you.’ Of course, we must sanctify ourselves first – that is, we must seek to live a faithful life and to be in the state of grace.  Then, ask for the gift of Wisdom, just as Solomon did. Ask for the gift of Fortitude – courage – to do what is right even in difficult circumstances. Ask for the gift of Counsel – to know what to say – and sometimes what not to say – to people seeking a word of encouragement. Ask for whatever you want and then apply the gift of that grace to become a bright light to attract others to what is good and true and pure and holy through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are perfections formed in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists 12: charity, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity”(ccc). St. Paul speaks about these fruits of the Holy Spirit in his letter to the Galatians (5:22). When we ‘seek the things that are above’ we ‘bare fruit that will last’ – we ‘build heavenly treasure.’  And just as the exchange of love between the three persons of the Holy Trinity overflows into all creation, so too will the effects of the graces we receive overflow into acts of kindness, generosity, and love, and all the fruits of the Holy Spirit, Who dwells within us.