Pastor’s Corner . . . Beginning June 28th, the Church will celebrate a special year of Jubilee beginning until June 29th, 2009, commemorating the birth of Saint, approximately 2,000 years ago.  Saints Peter and Paul were the primary Apostles who established the Church around the world. The Church celebrates the Conversion of Saint Paul on January 25th commemorating an event that changed the world.  The Acts of the Apostles relates the entire history of the adult life and conversion of Paul, who, along with Saint Peter are recognized as the greatest of the Apostles. Paul, whose name was originally Saul, was a fervent and zealous Jew, engaged by the Temple in Jerusalem to destroy the early Church. The Acts of the Apostles tells the story of the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, one of the first deacons, elected by the Apostles to help in the distribution of bread to the poor.  Stephen is singled out by the Temple, tried for blasphemy, dragged outside Jerusalem and stoned him. The narrative continues, “ . . . and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed . . . with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’  And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was consenting to his death.” (Acts 7: 58-60) 
Soon after, Saul received letters from the Jewish high priest to the synagogues in Damascus, empowering Saul to round up any Christians in Damascus and “bring them bound to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:2) As he traveled to Damascus on this mission, “A light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’” (Acts 9:3-4) He is blinded, and led by the hand into Damascus, where a Christian, Ananias, was instructed in a dream to heal him. Knowing Saul to be persecuting the Church, Ananias objects, but the Lord told him, “go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9: 15-16) Saul is healed, and realizes that he has been working against God, not for him, by persecuting His Church.  Like Peter, his name is changed. Peter’s name was changed by Christ from Simon to Cephas—which means Peter, or the Rock; Paul changed his own name to symbolize his radical change of life from non-believer to Apostle, personally called by the Resurrected Lord on the road to Damascus. Both Peter and Paul, men whose lives and very being are changed by the Resurrected Christ, established Christ’s Church in cities throughout the ancient world:  Peter to the Jews, and Paul to the Gentiles, or non-Jews, and both became the founders of the Church at Rome. After his conversion and baptism (Gal 1.17), Paul retired to Arabia to spend three years growing in his understanding of his new call and faith. He met with Peter and the other Apostles, and began his work among the Gentiles.  His decades of missionary work began, not so much by plan, as by the result of persecutions pushing him from city to city.  His travels brought him around the entirety of the Mediterranean world, preaching and converting the pagans. Enduring hunger, poverty, betrayal by friends, public beatings, attempts on his life, imprisonment, shipwrecks and, finally martyrdom in Rome. The celebration of his conversion is really a celebration of our faith, since most of us are of non-Jewish stock.  We belong to the Church founded by Our Lord because Paul converted, responding to the persuasive call he received from the Resurrected Lord on the road to Damascus.  Let us pray to both Saints Peter and Paul, founders of the Church of Rome, that we may imitate their fidelity to Christ in our own lives. --Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Titian Tarantino, 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, David Lloyd, Billy Therriault

Please pray for those who have recently died…Marjorie Watkins, 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,

Church of Latin America Collection . . . Please drop your envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory.  There will only be one collection today.

Christmas Flowers . . . I would like to express my gratitude for all the parishioners who made contribution for the Christmas flowers.  Special thanks to the donor for the flowers given in memory of the late Joan Dufrane.  Thanks very much.

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

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 at 10:00 am 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 30th.  Please, join us.

Businessmen of the parish . . . Holy Name men meet in the rectory every Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. for a cup of coffee and prayer, and we’re out in time for 8:00 a.m. Mass. Please join us: the front door nearest the church is open—just walk in.

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!

Sunday, January 20, 2008     $ 9,311.26

Sunday, January 21, 2007     $10,531.89

“I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”

---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Theology on Tap….is expanding its horizons. In addition to our current program that will continue in the Church Hall, we’re pleased to announce a NEW PROGRAM for men and women in their 20’s and 30’s beginning February 11th at Bennigan’s Restaurant – just across the street - from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  We will meet there the 2nd Monday each month - bring a friend! February 11th will feature “Stump the Priest” night – bring your questions and bring a friend.

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.

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

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 in the rectory, at 7:30 p.m., beginning January 29th through April 8th. Please call the rectory [324-1553, ext 21] and leave your name with the secretary, Providencia.

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.

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 Stamford Advocate:

The Connecticut Catholic:
January 31, 1879:   “The pupils of St. John’s R. C. school will give a grand concert and exhibition at the Town Hall, Thursday evening, Feb 20th. The preparations being made indicate a very fine entertainment.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
February 3, 1894: Stamford  “The challenge issued by John Ennis to skate Selectman Toms 100 miles, the loser to pay over to the fund of the United Fraternal societies $50 and to wheel the winner around Central park, was talked about all over town last week. Some regarded it as a joke, but those who know Mr. Ennis believe that when he puts his signature to anything it goes. It is no secret that Captain Toms is a skater. What show he would have with the veteran is an open question, but several people were heard to offer to make wagers of larger amounts than are common in these hard times upon each of these men.” (John Ennis was the architect and principal builder of the upper chapel of St. John’s Church.)

The Connecticut Catholic:
January 27 1899: Stamford “When our pastor Rev. W. H. Rogers read the annual report of St. John’s parish the people were more than pleased as in some respects there was a marked improvement over the previous year. The total receipts were $14,469.77. The debt was reduced $3,000 out of the regular church revenue. Considering that no special efforts were made to reduce the indebtedness this is very encouraging. Various improvements were made during the year and the beauty of the church greatly enriched by the Stations of the Cross, the gift of a parishioner.”

The Stamford Advocate:
February 2, 1916:  MISS NURNEY A BRIDE “Miss Helen Josephine Nurney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Nurney of 12 Oak Street, was married today, at 8:30 a.m., in St. John’s Catholic church, to James Joseph Healy of this city. A large number of the relatives and friends of the popular young couple were at the ceremony which was performed with a nuptial mass, celebrated by Rev. Thomas Drennan. Immediately after the ceremony, the couple departed for their honeymoon, which they will spend in Washington, D.C. They will be at home to their friends about April 1. The bride was attired in a traveling suit of blue, with hat to match, and she wore a corsage bouquet of lilies of the valley. The bridesmaid, Miss Regina Nurney, a sister of the bride, was attired in blue, and wore a bouquet of sweet peas. The best man was Walter Greaney. The ushers were Frank E. and J Vincent Nurney, brothers of the bride. The couple were the recipients of many handsome gifts. Miss Nurney is a High School graduate, and has been very popular in this city, where she has resided all of her life. Mr. Healy is a chauffeur, and is also partner in the firm of Davis & Healy, the Rippowam Place auto-supply store. He was president of the Chauffeurs’ Association a few years ago, and has always been popular in their ranks.”

Mass Intentions

Saturday, January 26
4:00 +Vincent & Teresa Kung req. Joseph & Agnes Kung

Sunday, January 27
  7:30 +Vincent De Vivo 50th Anniversary req. De Vivo & Munro
10:00 +Mary Sass req. Pinto Family
12:00 +Patrick Farrell req. Gregory Formato
 6:00 Special Intention Fr. Ridly

Monday, January 28
  8:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine     Kane & Family
12:10 +Pat Wiesen req. Beth & Jim Dawson

Tuesday, January 29
  8:00 +The Terry Conners Family req. Grateful friends
12:10 +Robert Hill req. Gerry & Carmella

Wednesday, January 30
   8:00 +Joseph F. Brzoska
 12:10 +George Taylor req. Aura Diaz

Thursday, January 31
  8:00 +Mr. & Mrs. Beaublun req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10     +Helen Carr req. Family

Friday, February 1
  8:00 Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus req. Fabiola C.
12:10 Theresa Nicholas, Frederico Garcia req. Christine Cabugao

Saturday, February 2
  8:00 Lillian Janesch req. Cycon Family
12:10    +Marie Floretta Helaire Birthday remembrance   req. Josephine Languedoc

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


Duc in Altum! Cast into the Deep!
- Fr Terry Walsh

I wonder what would be going through Jesus’ mind as He approached the busting activity of the diligent fishermen who were seeking to haul in a great catch. Might there have been an eagerness, a purposefulness to His step? John the Baptist, martyred out of love for Him, fulfilled his mission and now Jesus’ burning desire to proclaim the Good News would at long last finally begin – His love was on fire – he was pumped up and eager to announce the Good News of Salvation– it was the whole purpose for his becoming man and the moment had arrived – ‘that moment toward which all time and history, all human and divine longing have been directed’ – it’s here – finally. You can see it in His step. What’s more – he’s about to invite those he loves to share in His Mission. As He gets closer to the chatter of the men giving orders to each other in their boats, perhaps his smile unveils His excitement - He can’t contain it. He’s eager to get started…
Meanwhile, the typical busyness of the day occupies the attention of the fishermen as the sun rises higher in the sky and the gulls begin to gather in greater number to feast - the fish are cleaned as they are gathered. These hardworking fishermen hope for a slightly bigger catch in the next wave. Their thoughts quite naturally are focused on meeting their quota in order to support their families and pay their taxes – along with the other general cares and concerns of the day. Perhaps, their thoughts drift off to the future – maybe next year they’ll be able to add a boat, or at least hire another worker or two. Their restless concerns occupy their minds. Looking up from their nets, they see Him. As He approaches, they’re curious. He meets them. He invites them: Follow Me!           DUC IN ALTUM! Cast into the Deep!
Jesus is inviting each one of us – today- right now- to follow Him - to be aware of the purpose of our existence – to come to know Him and grow in a deeply personal relationship with Him – and through that intimate relationship, to draw others to Him – to “Cast into the Deep.”
 Consider the response of the first Apostles. There was no hesitation. Peter, Andrew, James, and John left everything immediately and followed Him. For them, it wasn’t simply a matter of “coming after” Jesus; rather, it was much more profound. It was a matter of imitating him, casting aside anything that hindered their fidelity and their growth in virtue.
 Just as they had gutted and cleaned the fish, digging out and tearing away all the useless parts for the sea gulls, leaving only the lean, nutritious piece ready to be consumed – so too they scraped away whatever hindered them from preaching the Word of God and being active participants in the mission entrusted to them. Likewise, the leaner we are, spiritually speaking, the more faithfully we can focus on growing in virtue and responding to the Grace Jesus seeks to pour into our hearts in order to accomplish His work. DUC IN ALTUM!
Just as Jesus revealed His Kingdom to the Apostles and gave them a share in his mission and his suffering, so too, does he offer it to us. We’re called to an intimate communion with God. Trust Him – he will nourish you – through his grace. Live in the Kingdom. Proclaim it to others.
DUC IN ALTUM!