Pastor’s Corner . . . When Otto Preminger directed his award-winning movie The Cardinal here at Saint John’s in 1961, he included an interesting scene about Italian immigrants.  Why Italian immigrants, since this is supposed to have been an Irish parish?  Because Saint John’s was the parish that first opened its doors in the late nineteenth century to the arriving Italian Catholic immigrants and to the arriving Polish Catholic immigrants. Both Sacred Heart Parish and Holy Name Parish began at Saint John’s. 
In Preminger’s movie, Italian immigrants rush to a statue of the Blessed Mother, which they believed miraculous. That statue never existed at St. John’s. But there was one that did—Saint Rita of Cascia, which had been purchased in 1914 especially for the Italian immigrants at Saint John’s by the pastor, Father James C. O’Brien. That statue, recently rediscovered, has been restored, and is now set up in the back of the church, near the 8th Station of the Cross.
Saint Rita was born in Roccaparena in the Umbrian province of Italy in 1386. At age 18, despite her desire to enter the convent, Rita obeyed her parents’ decision that she marry the town watchman, Paolo Mancini, an ill-tempered man.  For 18 years Rita endured her husband’s physical and emotional abuse, until he was stabbed during a drunken brawl. Her two sons vowed to avenge their father’s death, but through their mother’s prayers and intervention, they forgave their father’s murderers.  Free to enter the Augustinian convent, she found her way barred by nuns who were relatives of her husband’s assassins. Asking the intervention of Saints John the Baptist, Augustine of Hippo and Nicholas of Tolentino, she managed to bring the warring factions together and gain acceptance in the convent. She was 36 years old.
Rita spent the next 40 years of her life in the Monastery of Saint Mary Magdalen, in prayer and charity, working to bring about peace among warring factions in her city. She devoted herself to Our Lord’s Passion, and, in response to her prayer that she be permitted to share in Christ’s suffering, she received a permanent wound in her forehead that appeared to have been caused by a crown of thorns, and which bled for 15 years, just as in more modern times, St. Padre Pio suffered the wounds of Christ in his hands.  She is shown with a thorn in her forehead.
During the final four years of her life, Saint Rita was confined to her bed, eating little more than the Eucharist, and taught the younger sisters to love Our Lord’s Passion. She died on May 22, 1457 and was canonized on May 24, 1900. This woman who was an abused  wife, mother, widow and nun, who buried all her family, helped bring peace to her city, saw her dreams of consecrated life denied by others and then fulfilled, never lost faith in God or her desire to love Him with her whole heart, no matter the cost. She is the patroness of impossible causes, of those suffering abuse, and those in need of reconciliation.
Her statue is now back in church, not just for Catholic Italians, but for all of us who come to Saint John’s. Pray for her intercession and guidance, just as did so many earlier members of our wonderful parish.
 --Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titian Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, 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, Gloria Beverly

Please pray for those who have recently died…Wallace Stewart, Patrick Farenga, Marie Swanson, Neill Carey, Margorie 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, Neil Cary, Rev. Fr. Daniel Kennedy

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

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

Moms and children of all ages…Our monthly Holy Hour will next meet in the Church on Tuesday, February 12th 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. We meet each February Wednesday.  This month is a study of the Roman Catacombs.

The Latin reading group will begin translating St. Augustine’s Confessions. All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory, beginning Feb. 13th: If you have only studied Latin during high school, please join us: you know more than you think!

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!

Stations of the Cross . . .Every Friday during Lent at
4:00 p.m.  NOT on Good Friday.

Concert . . . The Lumina String Quartet will offer a concert of works by Beethoven and Shostakovich at the Ferguson Library on Monday, February 11th at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 964-1000.

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

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

Sunday, February 03, 2008     $ 11,944.00
Sunday, February 04, 2007     $ 10,468.91
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) 54  (2) 50.  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 quarti toni – Tomás Luis de Victoria, 1548-1611. Offertory motet: Tu pauperum refugium – Josquin des Prez, c. 1450/55-1521 (Thou hast been the refuge of the poor, of the mourning and sorrowing, Thou comforter, giving courage to the laborer, helper of erring men, Source of truth and life. And now, Redeemer Lord, I take refuge in Thee alone, Thou very God do I adore. Thou art my hope, my Salvation, Christ Jesus. Be Thou my help, for without Thy watchful care, while sleeping, death would claim my soul.). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Invocabit me (When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will rescue him and honour him; with long life will I satisfy him. He who abides in the shelter of the Most High, shall remain under the protection of the God of Heaven. [Ps. 91:15,16,1]); Gospel Acclamation Miserere mei Deus (Ps. 50, Graduale Romanum); Offertory Scapulis suis (The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield. [Psalm 91:4-5]); Communion Scapulis suis (see text above); Postlude: Psalm 50 – Tonus peregrinus.

Theology on Tap… February 14th will feature Fr. John Ringley, “On the Angels.” In the Msgr. Nagle Hall at 7:30 p.m.  All are welcome.

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.

Sacraments for Adults (RCIA) . . . 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., until 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.  Call 1-800-550-4900 for nearest chapter.
St. John’s In the News…100 years ago, or so:

The Stamford Advocate:
February 16, 1877: St. John’s School Exhibition  “The attendees at the St. John’s R. C. school exhibition on Tuesday evening furnished a remarkable contrast to the rows of empty benches which have been the characteristic features of nearly all the public entertainments in the hall this Winter. The house was crowded, up stairs and down, probably not less than sixteen hundred people being in attendance The exercises included a humorous tableau, dialogues, and some amusing school comedies, together with the choruses and piano pieces for two, four and six hands. The musical portion of the performance was perhaps the best part of it, but all was cleverly done, and appeared to be greatly relished by the large audience assembled.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
February 15, 1890: “Mr. Edward Lahey and Miss Mary A. Hanrahan, both of Stamford, were married on Wednesday at 10:30, in St. John’s church, by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Rogers. Mr. Morris Lahey, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man, and Miss Nellie Hanrahan, sister of the bride, was the bridesmaid. A high nuptial mass was offered up for the occasion, with Rev. Father Carroll as celebrant; Rev. Father Rogers as deacon, and Rev. Father Keena as sub-deacon. Among those present were Hon. Daniel Hanrahan, state representative, father of the bride; Mr. D. Hanrahan and many other relatives.  Selectmen W. R. Lockwood, J. Wooley Selleck and Hon. J. H. Olmsted were also present.” (Daniel Hanrahan was a trustee of St. John’s Church. He donated a window on the Bell Street side of the church.)

The Stamford Advocate:
February 12, 1907: “Rev. James C. O’Brien, pastor of St. John’s Catholic church, gave the members of the chancel choir and the altar boys a sleigh-ride, yesterday afternoon. The boys were carried in John McNally’s big Snow Bird, and they had a fine time.”

The Stamford Advocate:
February 11, 1908: “The Alumni Association of St. John’s school is to hold a euchre and dance in the schoolhouse, this evening.”

The Stamford Advocate:
February 12, 1927: GOLDEN GIFT FOR FATHER CALLAHAN, ST. JOHN’S CURATE. Presentation Made Last Night at a Reception in His Honor “More than 1,000 parishioners of St. John’s Catholic Church, and friends of all creeds of the Rev. Henry Callahan attended a reception to Father Callahan in St. John’s School hall last night. The occasion was the tenth anniversary of Father Callahan’s coming to Stamford. In recognition of his work in the church, in the school, and in recreational and civic lines, Father Callahan was presented a purse of $3,200.” (The Reverend Henry Callahan was Principal of St. John’s School from 1917 to 1933.)

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, February 9
4:00 +Mario Imbrogno req. Camille Laginestra

Sunday, February 10
  7:30 + John Kung req. Joseph & Agnes Kung
10:00 Special Intention of Lilian Ramos req. Barbara Schuerger
12:00 +Members of the Morris Family req. Bill & Marion Morris & Family
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine     Kane & Family

Monday, February 11
  8:00 Special Intention of Linda Colon
12:10 Special Intention of the Haggarty Family

Tuesday, February 12
  8:00 +Tomas D. Rosete req. Rosita A. Domdom
12:10 Joakim H. Kim health req. Joseph & Mary Kim

Wednesday, February 13
   8:00 Special Intention of Joseph H. Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
 12:10 +Robert Marron req. Tom Kolenberg

Thursday, February 14
8:00 +Patricia Christiaanse req. Bill & Carol Christiannse
12:10     +Ann Malizia req. Dottie & Gerry

Friday, February 15
  8:00 + John Do req. Thang Nguyen
12:10 Special Intention of the Lizarraga Family req. The Haggarty Family

Saturday, February 16
  8:00 +Hope & Joseph McAleer req. Family
12:10    +Mr. Burkhardt req. Friends

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.

Looking Toward Holy Saturday
- Fr. Terry Walsh

The following text is taken from an ancient homily on Holy Saturday, the author is unknown. It offers a magnificent meditation on the “40 Hours” our Lord lay in the Tomb. As we contemplate the words of the Homily, we begin to understand more clearly the depth of love that our Lord has for each one of us, so plainly demonstrated through His life, His Passion, His Crucifixion and Death, and finally His Resurrection from the dead and His Ascension to the Father in Heaven..
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Nothing is more apt to confirm our faith and hope than holding it fixed in our minds that nothing is impossible with God. Once our reason has grasped the idea of God’s almighty power, it will easily and without any hesitation admit everything that the CREED will afterwards propose for us to believe – even if they be great and marvelous things, far above the ordinary laws of nature”(ccc274).

“…He descended to the Dead...On the third day, He rose from the Dead…”

An Ancient Homily……..
“Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.
He has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve, he who is both God and the son of Eve. The Lord approached them bearing the Cross, the weapon that had won him the victory. At the sight of him Adam, the first man he had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: ‘My Lord be with you all.’ Christ answered him: ‘And with your spirit.’ He took him by the hand and raised him up saying: ‘Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’
I am your God, who for your sake  have become your son. Out of love for you and for your descendants I now by my own authority command all who are held in bondage to come forth, all who are in darkness to be enlightened, all who are sleeping to arise. I order you, o sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be held a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. Rise up, work of my hands, you who were created in my image. Rise, let us leave this place, for you are in me and I am in you; together we form only one person and  we  cannot be separated.
For your sake I, your God, became your son; I, the Lord, took the form of a slave; I, whose home is above the heavens, descended to the earth and beneath the earth. For your sake, for the sake of man, I became like a man without help, free among the dead. For the sake of you, who left a garden, I was betrayed to the Jews in a garden, and I was crucified in a garden.
See on my face the spittle I received in order to restore to you the life I once breathed into you. See there the marks of the blows I received in order to refashion your warped nature in my image. On my back see the marks of the scourging I endured to remove the burden of sin that weighs upon your back. See my hands, nailed firmly to a tree, for you who once wickedly stretched out your hand to a  tree.
I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side for you who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side has healed the pain in yours. My sleep will rouse you from your sleep in hell. The sword that pierced me has sheathed the sword that was turned against you.
Rise, let us leave this place. The enemy led you out of the earthly paradise. I will not restore you to that paradise, but I will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one  with you. I appointed cherubim to guard you as slaves are guarded, but now I make them worship you as God. The throne formed by cherubim awaits you, its bearers swift and eager. The bridal chamber is adorned, the banquet is ready, the eternal dwelling places are prepared, the treasure houses of all good things lie open. The kingdom of heaven has been prepared for you from all eternity.”