From the Pastor’s Desk . . .Each year at this time, the diocese begins it Annual Bishop’s Appeal in all its parishes. Each parish is assigned a financial goal: ours is $82,000. The purpose of the ABA is to ask Catholics to contribute to the various charitable and religious activities of our bishop.  These works are varied, but essential services for the life of the Church in our diocese, because they help fund such activities and programs throughout Fairfield County as the local soup kitchens, Catholic schools, the seminary program for the formation of future priests, the Fairfield County Catholic, and so much more.
The parishioners of Saint John’s have always been generous in coming to the assistance of Bishop Lori so that he may continue his good works to assist those in need. Last year’s goal, for example, was $68,000 and you exceeded that by pledging $77,000! I ask you, therefore, to consider making a pledge to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. In two week’s time, on Sunday March 9th we will ask everyone to make a pledge here in church. Please be generous so that Bishop Lori may continue to be generous to those in need; that he may continue his efforts to educate our children; to form the young men who will be our future priests; to feed the hungry and assist the needy; to promote the Gospel through the Fairfield County Catholic; and continue the social services that make Catholic Charities of Fairfield County the largest single private social service agency in Fairfield County.  Your help is essential so, please be generous. God bless you all. –Msgr. DiGiovanni

Eucharistic Congress . . . In preparation for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec this summer, our diocese is offering a series of three talks on the Eucharist:

February 26th at 7:30 p.m.,
Msgr. Laurence Bronkiewicz will speak at
St. Mary’s, Ridgefield;

February 28th at 7:30 p.m.,
Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni will speak at
St. John’s, Stamford;

March 6th at 7:00 p.m.,
Fr. Donald Guglielmi will speak at
St. Mark’s, Stratford.
 
A diocesan pilgrimage will leave for the Eucharistic Congress in Quebec on June 14th. All are invited, especially families, to be part of this historic spiritual event.  For more information please contact:
www.Bridgeportdiocese.org or email Fr. Peter Towsley, the diocesan coordinator at St. Anne’s, Bridgeport:
Congress08@aol.com

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

Catholic Faith 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 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!

Please pray for the sick… Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina 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… Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, 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.

HAYDN’S Seven Last Words of Christ, will be offered in church on Sunday, March 9th at 3 p.m. This is a beautiful musical meditation on Our Lord’s Passion and Death. Please join us.

Parents of our Religious Education Students…While your children 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 Wednesday in February.  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.  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, 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. [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.

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

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.

SAVE THE DATES: TWO GREAT EVENTS:

Solemn Vespers and Benediction:  Friday, May 30th at
6:30 p.m., to celebrate the anniversary of the dedication of our church in 1886. This will be an annual event, so please plan to join us.

Around the World in Three Hours:  Sunday, June 22nd at 5:30 p.m.: our annual fund raising supper and auction. Please join us to help raise funds for our church bell tower. Tickets: $100 each.

Sunday, February 17, 2008      $ 9,453.00

Sunday, February 18, 2007     $ 10,385.54

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) 50  (2) 65.  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: Miserere mei – Victoria (Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me. [Ps. 6:2]) – Tomás Luis de Victoria, 1548-1611. The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Oculi mei (My eyes are forever turned towards the Lord; for he shall release my feet from the snare; look upon me and have mercy on me, for I am abandoned and destitute. Unto you, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul; O my God, I trust in you, let me not be put to shame. [Ps. 25:15,16,1-2]); Gospel Acclamation Miserere mei Deus – (Ps. 50, Graduale Romanum); Offertory Justitiae Domini (The ordinances of the Lord are right, bringing joy to all hearts, sweeter than honey or the honeycomb. Therefore your servant will observe them. [Ps. 19:9-12]); Communion Passer invenit (The sparrow has found herself a home, and the turtle dove a nest in which to lay her young: at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God! Blessed are they who dwell in your house, they shall praise you for ever and ever. [Ps. 84:4,5]). Postlude: Psalm 50 – Tonus peregrinus.

Lenten Concert . . . A wonderful tradition here at St. John’s has become to observe the fifth Sunday in Lent with a spiritual exercise through the great art of the composer Franz Josef Haydn. On Sunday, March 9th at 3:00 p.m., the Arianna String Quartet will perform The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross at 3:00 p.m. One of most highly regarded string quartets of all time and among Haydn’s last and best works, this vivid musical portrait of the crucifixion of Our Lord is narrated by Msgr. DiGiovanni and is only 45 min. in length. There is a free pre-concert lecture by Scott Turkington at 2:30 p.m. in Nagle Hall. $10.00 suggested donation. Please come!

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.

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:

March 2,1895 Stamford.  “On the evening of Washington’s birthday the town hall was crowded to its utmost capacity, the occasion of the entertainment given under the auspices of St. Ann’s Ladies Aid society of St. John’s R. C. church for the benefit of the poor and orphans. The affair was a most flattering success in every particular and was conceded by all to be the most distinguished affair given in Stamford this season. The hall was most artistically decorated and the refreshment tables laden with eatables, presented by the members of the society, was a sight which was a joy and a delight to the inward man. The affair reflects great credit on the entire society but especially upon Father Keena who had full management of the entire entertainment. Each number on the programme was greatly appreciated and elicited much applause, encore numbers being demanded in every instance. Dancing followed, St. John’s orchestra furnishing music and was continued until a late hour.”

The Stamford Advocate:

February 26, 1927: CATHOLIC CHURCH TROOP OF SCOUTS GETS ITS CHARTER. “Stamford Troop 22 Boy Scouts of America sponsored by St. John’s Catholic Church was formally presented with their troop charter at the installation ceremonies at the indoor track meet at the armory last night. The public ceremony was a feature of the athletic meet conducted by the St. John’s Recreation club. The ceremony included acceptance of office by the troop committee composed of Herman C. Rheaume, the Rev. Henry Callahan, and William J. O’Connell. William Foley, the scoutmaster of the troop, asked for loyal co-operation from his troop as follows: “Scouts of Troop 22, I bid you to give to your scoutmaster loyal co-operation, so that Troop 22 will ever be a credit to our church, our city and our country. As your scoutmaster leads you in the Scout Oath and Scout Law on this occasion, may it ever serve as a reminded of your obligation as a Scout.” As president of the Stamford Council, Alfred W. Dater presented the troop charter. The ceremony concluded with the pledge and salute to the flag in which the entire audience took part.”

The Stamford Advocate:

March 2, 1928: OPEN NIGHT AT ST. JOHN’S HALL FOR 40 YD. DASH.  “About 60 boys and girls took part in the 40-yard dash which was the feature event of the St. John’s Rec. Club open night performance held at the club hall last night. The boys and girls were divided into four divisions, girls over 100 lbs. and under 100 lbs.; boys over 100 lbs. and under 100 lbs. The summary of the  winners follows: Boys under 100 lbs. First, W. Kiley, second; J. Hennessey; third, D. Moore. Boys over 100 lbs. First, J. Carr; second, O. Deenihan; third, J. Lemon. Girls under 100 lbs. First, A. Kiley; second, M. Gillespie; third, Mary Bohannon. Girls over 100 lbs. First, F. DeMille; second, Elizabeth DeMille, third, E. DeMille..”

Mass Intentions

Saturday, February 23
4:00 +Bob Darling req. Wife

Sunday, February 24
  7:30 +Miguel Angel Barbecho, Juan Boutista Barbecho, Nieves Anita Lopez Santander req. Maria E. Barbecho – Granddaughter & daughter
10:00 +Julee Delaney 6-Year Anniversary req. Family
12:00 +Peggy Walsh req. Fr. Terry P. Walsh
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, February 25
  8:00 +Ronald Marden rq. Michelle Madrazo
12:10 +Bishop Michael J. Dudick req. Mary Churley

Tuesday, February 26
  8:00 Thanksgiving Samatha McGraw req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10 Carmensa Sandobal req. Maria

Wednesday, February 27
   8:00 +John Maloney req. Mary Maloney
 12:10 +Elias Contreras req. Fabiola C.

Thursday, February 28
8:00 +Elizabeth Frawley
12:10     Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.

Friday, February 29
  8:00 +Joanne Fiori req. Parents
12:10 Liz Weber req. John Pascale

Saturday, March 1
  8:00 +Amy Reed req. Fabiola C.
12:10    Holy Souls req. Sofie E. Pastore

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.

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

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


Animi Crucuatus / Compunctio Cordis
-Fr. Terry Walsh
 
On Ash Wednesday, we heard the words, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” The Holy Spirit beckons each of us to examine our lives in light of the Gospel and identify those areas of our lives that are inconsistent with the ‘Universal call to holiness’ – those things that slow us down in our journey to God. What are the obstacles that prevent us from being formed more perfectly into faithful reflections of our Lord? Interior penance helps us attain an honest assessment of our relationship with Christ. Conversion of the heart is not a simple matter of pledging not to commit a particular sin. Rather, it is an active search for the Truth and an ardent desire to adhere to the Truth. Jesus Christ is the Truth. We discover Him in the Scriptures, in our faithful reception of the Sacraments (with proper preparation – prayer, confession, etc), and through our deepening faith evidenced by our love. There’s a sort of searching taking place, a search that necessarily begins with an act of humility, a plea for help, that is, “divine assistance.” Lord, heal me of (you fill in the blank) and fill me with your love (your grace, your mercy). A regular examination of conscience is indispensable for spiritual growth along the path that leads to the Heart of our Lord. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that there’s a twofold process at work here. “This conversion of heart is accompanied by a salutary pain and sadness which the (Early Church) Fathers (also known as the Patristics, such as St. Augustine, St. Leo the Great, St. Gregory the Great, St. Athanasius, St. Jerome, and many others) called animi cruciatus – that is, affliction of spirit – and compunction cordis – that is, repentance of heart.”
 It takes courage to peer inside the heart. It takes still more effort to admit faults and failings and recognize a need for healing and forgiveness. In a way, it may seem ‘easier’ to avoid such an honest and thorough examination of the heart but in the last analysis, we would be denying ourselves of the graces necessary to enter into the life we’re called to share with Christ. Our Lord stands ready to supply all the graces necessary for our complete immersion into Him. He knocks on the door of our heart, constantly inviting us to allow Him to enter and “fix what’s broken’ – ‘purify what’s muddy’ – in short, to heal, to restore, and to strengthen us. He requires our faithful cooperation acting out of love for Him. He tells us in the Gospel of John, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”(Jn 14:23). Open up the Scriptures and drink in the Word. Allow Him to teach and inform your conscience and so discover the path he has laid out for you. It is truly the path of peace, the path of true freedom, the path of truth – and it is accomplished through His Cross.
 St. Clement of Rome once said, “Let us fix our eyes on Christ’s blood and understand how precious it is to his Father, for, poured out for our salvation, it has brought to the whole world the grace of repentance.” ‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel…’