Pastor’s Corner . . . This Sunday, Passion Sunday, ushers in the period of Passiontide.  Our attention is centered entirely upon the sacrificial aspect of Jesus’ life and ministry: Jesus’ Passion and suffering, death on the Cross, descent into hell, bodily resurrection from the dead and ascension to Heaven, are as so many acts in His conflict with Satan, and in His triumph over death. To underscore this, all statues and the crucifix on the altar are covered: the Church wears her “widow’s weeds”, as it were: she begins to mourn and allows nothing to distract her concentration on the sacrificial agony and death of Her Bridegroom, Jesus the Lord. Passiontide, likewise, recalls the victory of Christ and every faithful Christian over Satan, and not just the battle. 
 After the rediscovery of the True Cross in Jerusalem in the early 4th century—it had been buried and preserved beneath a temple to Jupiter, built atop the ancient memorial of Our Lord’s death at Calvary by the 2nd century Roman Emperor Hadrian, in his attempt to stamp out the Church—veneration of the Cross grew more popular.  The reality of the Cross had been expressed already clearly in the New Testament, especially in the Letter to the Hebrews and the four Gospels. By the fourth century these teachings became more popularly expressed in Passion Week: the Cross as the instrument of our salvation, but, also as the throne of Christ’s glory and the sign of His victory over Satan and death.  The great and ancient hymn, Pange Lingua, which will be sung on Holy Thursday, expresses this: “Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle; over the trophy of the Cross, proclaim the noble triumph; tell how the Redeemer of the world won victory through His sacrifice. The Creator looked on sadly as the first man, Adam, was deceived, and as he fell into the snare of death, taking a bite of a lethal fruit; it was then that God chose this blessed piece of wood [the Cross] to destroy the other tree’s curse. You alone, O’ Cross, have been worthy to carry the ransom of the world; mankind’s ship had gone down beneath the waves, but you opened the way to our port of rescue.  For you, O’ Cross, are anointed with the sacred blood which sprung forth from the body of the Lamb.”
 Spend some time during this Passion Week and Holy Week meditating on Christ’s generous sacrifice to save you: go to Confession, and join in the Holy Week services on April 13th, 14th and 15th. —Msgr. DiGiovanni

SAVE THE DATES: 4 GREAT EVENTS:

HAYDN’S Seven Last Words of Christ, will be offered in church on Sunday, March 9th at 3:00 p.m. This is a beautiful musical meditation on Our Lord’s Passion and Death. Please join us.

Tenebrae: Wednesday of Holy Week, March 18th at 8 pm in the church: a beautiful choral meditation on the Cross.

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.

Passport to the World:  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.  Details to follow!

Please pray for the sick… Anthony Sansone, 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,

Please pray for those who have recently died…Paul Dudash, John Borron, 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,

Catholic Faith on Tap… 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! Next meeting: Monday, March 10.

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.

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.

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… Our next meeting is April 17th, 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. We’re reading the Book of Revelation.  All are welcome!

Trinity Catholic High School…Annual College Night, Wednesday, March 26th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at 726 Newfield Avenue in Stamford, Connecticut.  Held in the Gymnasium.  Over 60 colleges expected to be in attendance.  Any question please call 322-3401.

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

Help Wanted…Regular Monthly/Weekly Volunteers to help the Sisters of Life at Villa Maria Guadalupe Retreat Center with cleaning, laundry and making beds on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  This can also be a great opportunity for one to experience our contemplative atmosphere and allow Our Blessed Lord to fill your heart with His love.  It is in giving that we receive.  If you feel inspired to help, please contact Sr. Josamarie at 203-329-1492.  We are located off of High Ridge Road, 159 Meadow Drive in Stamford, CT.

Parish Envelops: IF you receive parish donation envelopes in the mail, please use them: it is a great help to the staff, especially for record keeping and for your tax records at the end of each year.

Sunday, March 01, 2008      $ 10,820.50
Sunday, March 02, 2007      $ 10,877.40

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) 69 [Tune: Picardy].  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: Mass for Five Voices – William Byrd, 1540-1623. Offertory Motet: Civitas sancti tui – Byrd (Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. [Isaiah64:10]). Communion Motet: Miserere mei – Tomás Luis de Victoria, 1548-1611 (Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me. [Ps. 6:2]). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Judica me Deus (Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly nation; from wicked and deceitful men deliver me, for you are my God and my strength. Send forth your light and your truth; these have led me and brought me to your holy mountain and to your dwelling place. [Ps. 43:1,2,3]); Gospel Acclamation Miserere mei Deus – (Ps. 50, Graduale Romanum); Offertory Confitebor tibi (I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart; deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and observe your word; revive me according to your word, O Lord. [Psalm 119:7,10,17,25]); Communion Videns Dominus (When the Lord saw the sisters of Lazarus in tears near the tomb, he wept in the presence of the Jews and cried: “Lazarus, come forth.” And out he came, hands and feet bound, the man who had been dead for four days. [John 11:33,35,43,39]). 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. Today, March 9th at 3:00 p.m. celebrated 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 about one hour 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!

Tenebrae . . . Wednesday of Holy Week, March 19th at 7:30 p.m. in church: a musical meditation of chant and scripture readings in preparation for the following three holiest days of the year—the Triduum—commemorating Our Lord’s saving actions for us.  Please plan to join us.

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

The Stamford Advocate:
March 12, 1869: PRESENT CHURCH SITE PURCHASED FROM A. J. BELL BY THE ROMAN CATHOLIC SOCIETY FOR A REPORTED $12,500.  “The Roman Catholic Society have purchased a lot 200 X 100 feet, in one of the most prominent and valuable positions on Atlantic Street, from Mr. A. J. Bell, for $12,500. We understand it is the intention of the society to build a handsome church edifice on their new purchase.”
March 14, 1873:  “We learn that the drum corps and cadets of St. John’s R. C. church are to turn out in procession on St. Patrick’s Day – next Monday.”

March 16, 1877: Lecture on St. Patrick’s Day. “Saturday, the 17th of March, will be appropriately celebrated in St. John’s R. C. church by a lecture on “The Teachings of Irish History.” The lecturer is Rev. B. Bray, who is reputed to be a speaker of unusual eloquence and power. His remarks upon a topic so suggestive and interesting can not fail to be worthy of a full house.”

March 10, 1899: FATHER McCLEAN TO HELP.  “Rev. Peter McClean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Hartford, has been appointed a member of the missionary band engaged in holding missions throughout the diocese. Rev. Walter Elliot of New York is at the head of this band, and his only assistant thus far has been Rev. Edward Flannery, who was for about a year curate in St. John’s parish here. The work has been so heavy, however, that it has been found necessary to increase the number of missioners. The announcement of Father McClean’s appointment will be of much interest here, as he is a Stamford man. He is a priest of broad education, a good speaker, and is in every way equipped for the duties he is about to assume. The appointment was made during the recent mission at Rockville. Next week a mission will be conducted in Norwich, at which place Father McClean will report for duty.”

March 16, 1937: FATHER HAGEARTY TELLS KIWANIS CLUB MEMBERS OF ST. PATRICK’S WORK. “Rev. Charles Hagearty of St. John’s Church was guest speaker at the Kiwanis luncheon, yesterday. Father Hagearty gave an inspirational and informing address on St. Patrick. Jim Cullen added to the program with a number of Irish songs. Father Hagearty informed his listeners that the evangelizing of Ireland under the teaching of St. Patrick was almost miraculous in the results obtained in one lifetime. He pointed out that the Emerald Isle, even more so than many of the so-called Catholic countries, had remained loyal to the faith and to the clergy of the Catholic Church. Father Hagearty’s address was well received by a large attendance at the weekly luncheon.”

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.

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, March 8
4:00 +Vincent J. Freccia, Jr. req. Wife Dolores Freccia

Sunday, March 9
  7:30 +Irene Medwed req. Sis Conners
10:00 +Dorothy Wargo Birthday Remembrance req. Family
12:00 +His Eminence Ignatius Cardinal Kung req. Cardinal Kung Foundation
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, March 10
  8:00 +Private Intentions req. Silvia Rebollar
12:10 +Shirlee F. Green req. Theresa Rizzo

Tuesday, March 11
  8:00 Special Intention Richard Paul Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10 Thanksgiving to God req. Fabiola C.

Wednesday, March 12
   8:00 Special Intention Fr. Albert D. Audette
 12:10 +Robert Wilson req. Sandy Rivera

Thursday, March 13
8:00 +Manuela Romero req. Richard Morris
12:10     +Robert Marron req. Thomas Klenberg.

Friday, March 14
  8:00 +Betty Gilky req. Michelle Griffin
12:10 +Mr. Constantin Gaspard & Fanelia & Family req. Nephews & Nieces

Saturday, March 15
  8:00 Special Intention Eleanor Theresa Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10    +Margaret Mulhern req. Her children

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.

The Fourth Station
Jesus is met by His Blessed Mother
“And a Sword shall pass through your Heart”
-Fr Terry Walsh
Many who have had near death experiences seem to speak of a similar occurrence – that there whole life passed before their eyes in an instant. Could this be what the moment of Judgment might be like? Images of the Vision of Isaiah come to mind (Is.6). We will, at some moment, find ourselves in the same position as Isaiah did. Each of us will stand before the Throne of God and we’ll be in the Presence of Perfect Holiness, perfect beauty, purity, and truth. We’ll be in the Presence of Love Himself; that is, with the One who emptied Himself of His glory in order to become Incarnate in the Spotless Womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary; the One born into the world He created in order to offer Himself to the Father in reparation for our sins. Long before He was sentenced by Pilate, Jesus knew what sort of death He would endure. He knew. And so did His Blessed Mother, who consented to His sacrifice with incomparable sorrow and with perfect love. Theirs is the most unique of relationships. Mary is so intimately woven in the life of Her Son: She shares in His Glory, She shares in His pain. De Montfort wrote, “The Most High God came down to us in a perfect way through the humble Virgin Mary, without losing anything of His divinity or holiness. It is likewise through Mary that we poor creatures must ascend to almighty God in a perfect manner without having anything to fear”(157). How well do we honor Her? How well do we pray for Her Motherly Hands of love to guide us along the path that ends in the Heart of Jesus? What heartache She endured to know the rejection Her loving Son would bear: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…(Is. 53:3)” He carried our sorrows, indeed, He fell under their weight – 3 times. “Yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with His stripes we are healed….He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth”(Is. 53:4). The Son of Mary alone is Holy. Our only entrance into Holiness – into Eternal Beatitude - is through Him. “I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats this Bread, he will live for ever; and the Bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh”(Jn 6:51). Through His Passion He demonstrated the depth of His love - the spilling of His Precious Blood became ‘the wellspring to all life, all holiness’ and the only means by which our sins may be taken away and our souls made pure. Sacramental Confession affords us the opportunity to “review the reel” of our life and to seek forgiveness for our transgressions before we stand before the Throne of God. We are healed through the Blood of the One who gave Himself up for us. He alone makes us worthy to enter the Perfection of Heaven. Now is the time of mercy. Mercy is the reason for his dwelling among us, for his suffering, his death, and ultimately his Resurrection. “He poured out His soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors”(Is. 53:12). Mary shared in that suffering, spiritually, and poured out Her love as only She could, at that sorrowful meeting on the Way to Calvary. St. Josemaria Escriva reflected, “Jesus had been waiting for this meeting with His Mother. How many childhood memories! Bethlehem, the flight into Egypt, the village of Nazareth. Now again he wants her by His side, on Calvary…Our Lord and His Mother will not abandon us and whenever it is necessary, they will make their presence felt to fill the hearts of their loved ones with security and peace.” As you reflect on your relationship with Jesus and Mary, what images come to mind? What life experiences represent your ‘Bethlehem’ or your ‘flight into Egypt.’ In your journey, have you called out to Jesus and Mary through thoughtful reflection on the Mysteries of our Lord’s life, especially through the Scriptures and the Rosary? Have you willingly picked up your Cross and so received the consolation of your Mother’s love and encouragement. She is there, at the 4th Station, waiting for you.