Pastor’s Corner . . . Today begins Holy Week, recalling Our Lord’s last earthly days and His work for our salvation. Holy.  Thursday’s evening Mass (8:00 p.m.) recalls the Last Supper during which Our Lord instituted the priesthood and the Eucharist, and when he was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter and, later, arrested.  It is during this most profound offering of Himself for our salvation that humanity betrayed the Son of God in the person of Judas Iscariot.  Judas’ betrayal of the Son of God for a mere 30 pieces of silver mirrored Lucifer’s betrayal of God for power.  In Dante’s Inferno, Judas is placed in the lowest circle of Hell, named after him—Judecca. There, in the very heart of Hell, is Lucifer—frozen solid, raging in eternal isolation, yet unable to express his titanic hatred for God except by his bloody tears.  Judas is with him.  The betrayer of God the Creator gnaws the betrayer of the Son of God, for all eternity. 
The Gospel account tells us that Jesus knew the heart of Judas and the weakness of His other Apostles.  Nevertheless, Our Lord rose from the table during the Last Supper, removed his outer cloak, wrapped a towel around his waist and began to wash the feet of the Twelve—including those of Judas. God, the Creator of the universe, who humbled Himself to be born in the flesh of the Virgin Mary, and who will soon humble Himself to feed His followers with His very Body and Blood, and who is about to sacrifice Himself on the Cross, now bows before his Apostles to wash the feet of all Twelve, even His betrayer’s.  Saint Augustine made this observation about Christ’s humility and love for us: “Why wonder, if He poured water into a basin wherewith to wash His disciples’ feet, who poured His blood upon the earth to wash away the filth of their sins?  In order, indeed, to gird Himself with the towel, He laid aside the garments He wore; but when He emptied Himself [of His divine glory] in order to assume the form of a servant [at His birth as a man], He laid not down what He had [His divine nature] but assumed that which He had not before [our human nature].  When about to be crucified, He was indeed stripped of His garments, and when dead was wrapped in linen clothes: and all that suffering of His is our purification.  When, therefore, about to suffer the last extremities of humiliation, He here illustrated beforehand its friendly compliances; not only to those for whom He was about to endure death, but to him also who had resolved on betraying Him to death.  For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.  And as he [Judas] was lost by imitating the pride of the deceiver [Lucifer], let mankind now, when found [by Christ], imitate the Redeemer’s humility.” [Tracts on the Gospel of Saint John, LVI, 7]
 Humility is an important virtue, yet one rarely practiced or encouraged in our society. There is only one God, and it ain’t us!  Let us, during this Holy Week, meditate upon the humility of the most powerful Persons in the universe—God, Father, Son & Holy Spirit.  He humbled Himself to save us from our pride, which is the heart of our sins.  Let us practice God’s humility, opening ourselves up to His saving grace—and go to Confession this week.  Let us imitate neither Lucifer in his pride, nor Judas, betraying Christ by our sins.  If we love Our Lord, we should show that love in the way we live our daily lives.  He waits to forgive us; if only we humble ourselves and go to Him in the sacrament He gave His Church.  Go to Confession and prepare for a holy Easter. Another preparation is in a pilgrimage.
The practice of making a pilgrimage to a shrine or church is an ancient one.  Early Christians visited the sites of Our Lord’s suffering, death and resurrection in Jerusalem.  Pilgrimages to the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome began immediately following their martyrdom in 64 A.D. 
Saint Philip Neri, one of the greatest of Roman parish priests, began the practice of the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches during Lent in the early 1550’s.  By the end of the decade, there were thousands who would join him, visiting the seven great basilicas of the Eternal City. The Seven Church Pilgrimage on Holy Thursday evening came to America with the Catholic immigrants, and continues to our day.  In today’s bulletin you will find a sheet of paper with Saint John’s Holy Week schedule, and, on the back side, a small map with the addresses of churches in the area and the times they will remain open on Holy Thursday evening [March 20th]. Come to Saint John’s for the beautiful Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 8:00 p.m., and then get in your car and make the Pilgrimage to Seven of Stamford’s Catholic churches.  --Msgr. DiGiovanni 

Please pray for the sick… Vicki Manes, 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 dead…Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, 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,

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

Ancient Order of Hibernians: Saturday, April 5th: Gentlemen: Join us for the NCAA Men’s Final Four Game at the AOH Hall on Greyrock Place, beginning at 4:40 p.m.: Large Screen Projection TVs; Buffet Dinner with open bar; Cigar and Whiskey tasting.  All profits for local charities: $50.00 at the door or $45.00 in advance: contact Joe Sargent: 203-235-2323 or josephpsargent@yahoo.com

SAVE THE DATES: 3 GREAT EVENTS:

Tenebrae: Wednesday of Holy Week, March 18th at 8:00 p.m. 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!
 
Catholic Faith on Tap… 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, April 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.

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

Sunday, March 09, 2008      $ 11,830.00
Sunday, March 11, 2007      $ 11,741.95
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) 60  (2) 67.  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: Miserere mei – Gregorio Allegri, 1582-1652 (Have mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness. According to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine offences. Wash me throughly from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my faults and my sin is ever before me. Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightest be justified in thy saying and clear when thou art judged. Behold, I was shapen in wickedness and in sin hath my mother conceived me. But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall shew thy praise. For thou desirest no sacrifice, else I would give it thee, but thou delightest not in burnt-offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt thou not despise. O be favourable and gracious unto Sion; build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations; then shall they offer young bullocks upon thine altar. [Psalm 51:1-8, 16-21]). Communion Motet: Christus factus est – Juan Bautista Comes, 1568-1643 (Christ became obedient for us unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him, and bestowed upon him the name which is above every other name. [Phil 2:8-9]). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Antiphon Hosanna filio David (Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.); Tract Christus factus est (Christ became obedient for us unto death, even death on a Cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name which is above every other name. [Phil. 2:8,9]); Offertory Improperium (My heart awaited reproach and misery; and I hoped for one that would grieve together with me, but there was none; I looked for one who would comfort me, and found no one. For food they gave me gall; in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. [Ps. 68:21,22]); Communion Pater, si non potest (Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink it, thy will be done. [Matthew 26:42]). Postlude: Psalm 50 – Tonus peregrinus.

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 is 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!

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.

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:
March 18, 1864: “Yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day, and, contrary to the general rule, the weather was fine in the morning. Mass was celebrated and a sermon preached by Rev. Father O’Neil, in the Roman Catholic Church. A full congregation was in attendance.” (The Reverend James O’Neil was Pastor from 1858 to 1868).

March 22, 1872: “St. Patrick’s Day was for a wonder distinguished by bright and pleasant weather. The pageant in New York is described as being the largest and most imposing known for years. In Hartford and New Haven as well as other of the largest towns in Connecticut, the various Catholic societies paraded, and generally speaking, the natal day of Ireland’s patron saint was celebrated throughout the country with more than ordinary enthusiasm.”

March 19, 1880:  “In the Roman Catholic church, last Sunday morning, the assistant priest, Rev. Father Walsh, preached an earnest sermon on the Great Sacrifice once offered for sin. He exhorted his hearers to particularly remember at this season, Lent, the agony and passion of the Blessed Savior, who gave His life as ransom for His people. He urged them to refrain from sin, and humbly to consider how great a sacrifice was made for them, and how much love Jesus Christ has to a sinful world to endure the cross for the sake of bringing men back to God. We should be glad to print the sermon entire as it was one exceedingly creditable to the preacher, and contained very little doctrine at which the most orthodox Christian could take exception.”

March 21, 1910: A BEAUTIFUL SERVICE. “The Catholic Church has never lacked artistic genius in its service. Whether in sculpture, or painting, or architecture, or music, it has drawn up the resources of the finest creative minds in every generation, from Michaelangelo, and before him, down to the present day. A case in point is the oratorio, by Dubois, finely rendered in St. John’s R. C. Church, last evening. Probably in no musical work extant, unless it be Sir John Stainer’s “Crucifixion,” is the sentiment of “Passion Week” so pathetically and impressively interpreted. A very admirable rendering of the Dubois work was given under the direction of the organist, Miss Margaret Kennedy. Her vocal assistants were Miss Margaret Hogan, soprano; John P. Reilly, tenor; and Henry Smith, baritone. Apart from the Dubois oratorio, there was the Bach “Ave Maria” and “O Salutaris,” exceeding well sung by Miss May Kenny, and “Tantum Ergo,” “Laudate Dominum” and “The Balms” by Frederick Hunt. Wholly admirable in technique and in interpretive spirit was the work of these competent singers.”

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.

Parish Envelopes: 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.

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!

Mass Intentions
Saturday, March 15
4:00 +James Meehan req. Leon

Sunday, March 16
  7:30 Special Intention John Joseph Tarleton req. John & Eileen Tarleton
10:00 +Nicholas Laginestra req. Grandson Michael Kellner
12:00 +Amelia Capocci req. Shannon Gannon
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, March 17
  8:00 +Paul Nazurak req. Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Bolanowski
12:10 +Fr. Edward Petty req. Lois Gandt

Tuesday, March 18
  8:00 +John E. Lancaster req. Suzanne Krenheller
12:10 +Tilde Selvaggi req. The Marchetti Family

Wednesday, March 19
   8:00 +John Michaud req. Michelle Koetke
 12:10 +Stephen, Irene & Nicholas Churley req. Mary Churley

HOLY THURSDAY, March 20
  8:00 & 12:10 NO MASS
  8:00p.m.MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER.
The Church remains open ‘till midnight

GOOD FRIDAY, March 21
  8:00 & 12:10 NO MASS
  3:00 p.m. THE LORD’S PASSION

HOLY SATURDAY, March 22
  8:00 & 12:10 & 4:00 NO MASS
8:00 pm EASTER VIGIL: People of the Parish

Holy Name Society . . . for all men of the parish: the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration benediction & prayer, from 7:00-8:00 a.m.

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 Spiritual Journey:
              Consolation and Desolation
“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”(Rm. 8:18).
    - Fr. Terry Walsh
 Have you ever asked yourself the question, ‘Why me?’ After all, Lord, I go to Mass every Sunday. I’m honest and hard-working. I try to be fair and kind, and so why is this or that happening to me? Why? Critical thinking is good provided we’re asking to grow in understanding. But if we’re asking with a measure of anger, perhaps even contempt, we reveal a need to grow more aware of the spiritual nature of our relationship with God. Asking God questions about the circumstances of our lives enables us to broaden our understanding of how God is at work to heal and strengthen us and ultimately lead us to Himself: it’s a means to holiness. And so, how do we understand both the joys and the sorrows of our lives. How do consolations and desolations effect my soul? If we think of our relationship with the Holy Trinity as a journey, then we can understand every little thing that happens in our life as effecting our spiritual health. St Theresa of Avila said there is no ‘middle ground’ in the spiritual life – we are either moving toward God or away from Him. And so, what is the disposition of our hearts? Are we seeking God? Do we search for Him in the Scriptures and the Sacraments? Do we recognize Him in our Trials and Joys? Do we speak to Him from the heart, as he expects, and so develop a filial trust? Every relationship is a two way street and deepens through faithful communication. Indeed, it is through our love for God and one another that we best communicate with God. Our faithful prayer life enables us to cry out to Him with a louder ‘spiritual’ voice, allowing Him to draw us into Himself, giving us all we need to accomplish our individual journey to reach home to heaven safely.     Jesus said, ‘Take up your Cross and follow Me.’ In other words, share in My Journey and I’ll strengthen you in Faith, Hope, and Charity and so enable you to become Holy. Trust Me. I’ll take care of you in joy and in sorrow. Recall that beautiful day when our Lady Presented the Christ Child in the Temple - the 4th Joyful Mystery. Her heart must have been overflowing with wonder and awe. What peace and consolation! Moments later, however, the Prophet Simeon greeted the Holy Family and said to our joyful Mother, “A sword of sorrow will pass through your heart.” What desolation. One moment, Mary is on the top of the world, the next She feels the sting of pain caused by the sins of mankind. Years later, as Her Son Triumphantly entered the gates of Jerusalem hailed as King and Messiah, the people threw palm branches in His path as a sign of love and respect. Yet, 3 days later, He was sold for a few pieces of silver, betrayed by one who ate and drank with Him for 3 years. Consolation, desolation. He shared an intimate Passover meal with those whom He had chosen and joyfully instituted the Sacraments of Eucharist and Priesthood - consolation. Hours later, He would be arrested in the dark of night, tried, tortured, and crucified - desolation. And from the Cross, Jesus cried out, “Why?” “Why has thou forsaken Me?” (See Psalm 22; it ends in Hope).
St. Peter answers our question, “why?”  “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls”(1Pt 2:21).