Pastor’s Corner . . . The Holy Father’s visit this week is a great blessing for the Church in the United States, and for the whole country. Saint John’s is blessed in a unique way in that two of our older altar servers, Alessandro Marchetti and Ferry Galbert, have been chosen by Cardinal Egan to serve the two Masses celebrated by the Holy Father in New York: Alessandro will serve Saturday’s Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and Ferry will serve Sunday’s Mass at Yankee Stadium. They will carry two of the torches and kneel in front of the altar during the Canon of the Mass until after Holy Communion is distributed to the faithful.
 The Holy Father’s visit to the United States is important. He is the Successor of Saint Peter. The Church in Rome was founded by Saint Peter, taught by him and Saint Paul and sanctified by their blood during the persecution of the Emperor Nero in 67 A.D. The role of Saint Peter in the Church has been and is essential, right from the moment Our Lord established His Church that would be called Catholic within a few decades of his saving death and resurrection. Our Lord changed Simon’s name to Peter, a Greek name meaning rock, and told the newly named chief of the Apostles, “You are Peter, and upon this Rock [playing on Peter’s name: rock] I will build my Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against you.  And I give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you hold bound on earth is bound in heaven; whatever you hold loosed on earth is loosed in heaven.” [Matt. 16:13-19]
 Peter had to grow into his new job: how many of us do our work perfectly on the first day without a mistake? So, too, with Peter. Initially believing that Jesus came to establish a new kingdom of Israel, independent of the Roman Empire, Peter and the other Apostles were dismayed when Our Lord insisted otherwise—His kingdom was not of this world. Peter’s failures and betrayal of Our Lord did not revoke the duty Christ originally gave the Apostle: in the Gospel of John Jesus asks Peter three times “do you love me”, in order to give Peter a chance to redeem himself from his three denials of Christ on the night Jesus was arrested. Jesus then confirmed Peter’s role as visible head of Jesus’ Church, representing Jesus, the true head. Jesus works through His Church until the end of time, so the authority given to Peter was not limited to him personally, and it has passed through the centuries to Peter’s successor, the Bishop of Rome, the city in which Peter preached and died a martyr. The visit of Peter’s successor to the United States is important, since it is Peter who comes to us personally, and through Peter, Our Lord.
 The press opined that the pope would read the riot act to the Church, because of the sex scandals of the clergy.  While a horrible tragedy, which the pope condemned on the plane as he neared Washington, D.C., I think the pope has come to do something more far reaching. The priests’ scandal is a part of a deeper problem of our society. The pope will call his priests and people to imitate Christ more closely, calling us all to be more faithful, clergy first, in order to help change our whole society. Catholics should be the moral and spiritual leaven of American society. So, the pope will ask us all, as Jesus did to Peter, “do you love me?”, and insist that we prove that love in lives of fidelity and virtue.  He’s already begun to change the U.S.A. Church by appointing a new type of bishop and beginning a reform in seminary training. He will also call for a reform in Catholic universities in this country, to reform all Catholic life by preaching the Gospel and the teachings of Christ’s Church, calling all to live a life of faith and holiness.
 So pray for Our Holy Father, Peter among us. And pray for the continued reform of the Church in this country and in our diocese. --Msgr. DiGiovanni 

Please pray for the sick… Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, 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, Alan Comier, Barbara Schuerger, Brady Rodgers, Gail Ruge, Madam Wong Oi Ling, Fiona Farrell, Billy Therriault, David Lloyd

Please pray for those who have recently died… William Speranza, George Lampman, Robert Geikie, Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, 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.

4 GREAT upcoming EVENTS:
Church in China Mass: The Holy Father has asked that Masses be offered in Catholic churches around the world for the government persecuted Catholic Church in China.  Saint John’s will offer Mass on Saturday, May 24th at 12:10 P.M. Representatives of the Cardinal Kung Foundation and of the persecuted Church in China will be present. All are welcome.

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!
 
Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th: Parish picnic at Cove Island.

Young Adult 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, May 12th.

TAXES: IT’S NOT TOO LATE…If you live on Social Security and do NOT file Income Taxes, you still QUALIFY for the Economic Stimulus Program. Simply file a return and you will receive the money you are entitled to receive.

COFFEE HOUR… After the 10:00 a.m.  Mass.  All are welcome.

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!

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . meets each Wednesday in April at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. This month we will read patristic works [in English translations] concerning the Incarnation and Resurrection of Christ. Everyone is welcome.

Bible Study…Monthly meetings. Our next meeting is May 15th at 7:30 P.M. in the rectory.  We’re reading the Book of Revelation.  All are welcome!

Sunday, April 13, 2008    $ 10,365.00

Sunday, April 15, 2007    $ 10,703.71

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) 83 (2) 73.  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 – Andrea Gabrieli, 1532-1585. Offertory Motet: Surrexit Christus – Samuel Scheidt, 1587-1653 (Our Lord is ris’n again today, alleluia. The pow’rs of sin and death to slay, alleluia. His resurrection day proclaim, alleluia. Give thanks to God and bless his name, alleluia. He suffered death upon the cross, alleluia. For us he bore all pain and loss, alleluia. The Holy Trinity be praised, alleluia. Let grateful hymns to God be raised, alleluia.). Communion Motet: Credo quod Redemptor – Alonso Lobo, 1555-1617 (I believe that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And in my flesh shall I see God my Saviour.). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Cantate Domino (Sing to the Lord a new song, alleluia; for the Lord has accomplished wondrous deeds, alleluia; he has revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles, alleluia, alleluia; His right hand and his holy arm have given him victory. [Ps. 98:1,2]); Alleluia Christus resurgens ex mortuis (Christ has been raised from the dead and will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. [Romans 6:9]); Offertory Jubilate Deo (Sing joyfully to God all the earth; let the entire earth cry out with joy to God; sing a psalm in honour of his name. Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what the Lord has done for my soul, alleluia. [Ps. 66:1,2,16]); Communion Tanto tempore (Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me? Philip, he who sees me, sees the Father. Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? Alleluia, alleluia. [John 14:9]).

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.

Citizens Day . . . April 26, 2008: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: attorneys and paralegals will assist with U.S. Citizenship process for no charge: at Stamford UCONN:  One University Place, Room 108, Stamford.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church. If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

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

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

The Stamford Advocate:

April 22, 1870:  “The old house, standing on the lot purchased by the Roman Catholic Society, is being taken down. This we suppose is the first step towards the great work of building the new church. The house above referred to was one of the oldest in the village. The relic hunter, Charley Alphonse, found behind the wainscoting several copper coins, some of which were nearly two hundred years old.”

April 29, 1870: “Let all who it may concern read the “notice to builders” advertised in this issue, by the Roman Catholic Society of Stamford. NOTICE TO BUILDERS. The Contract for Building the new Catholic church, on Atlantic street, will be left open for bids for a short time. Plans and Specifications may be examined at the residence of Rev. John Fagan, on Meadow street”

April 23, 1880: CHURCHES OF STAMFORD. “Roman Catholic – St  John’s. – Rev. Father Rogers, pastor, Rev. H. T. Walsh, assistant. Sunday services at 7, 8:30, 9 and 10:30 A. M. and 3 P. M. Sunday school at 2 P. M. P. Reilly and Thomas Ross superintendents. Week-day service every morning at 7 o’clock. Convent. Convent of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Superior, Sister Mary Arsenius. Ten sisters. Connected with St. John’s R. C. Church.”

April 22, 1881:  “In the Roman Catholic church Easter is always a high day. The music last Sunday was specially good in the evening, at vespers. The choir was assisted on this occasion by Mr. Griswold, Mr. Parker and Mr. E. Carey. The soprano of the regular choir, Miss Annie Weed, was in splendid voice for the evening programme, and sang her solos to the evident pleasure of the vast congregation, who listened with intense delight to the music throughout. It was quite apparent that Mr. Chas. W. Smith, the accomplished organist, had taken great pains in preparing the programme and drilling the choir, for the result was very satisfactory. His own part was rendered in a masterly way and the new organ of the church with its beautiful variety of stops, which he knows so well how to combine, was made to speak forth in pleasing tones, as can alone be done by one familiar with the mechanical construction of the “king of instruments.” Rev. Father Walsh delivered an address in the evening on the lessons of the resurrection of Christ, as pleasing and orthodox as one could wish to hear from any pulpit.”

April 27, 1908: “The strength of the Knights of Columbus in Stamford was shown with considerable impressiveness yesterday morning, when St. Augustine Council attended St. John’s R.C. Church in a body, and received holy communion. The Council met in its rooms over the Republican Club, and the last members had not left the rooms when the first of the column was marching up the aisle in church. The only insignia worn was a white carnation in the lapel. It was the largest gathering of a fraternal  society that has occurred in town in some time..”

Mass Intentions

Saturday, April 19
4:00 +Louis De Lavalle req. Wife & Daughters
Sunday, April 20
  7:30 Special Intention Terenzio - Matt & Liz & Millie & George
10:00  +Millien Family req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:00 Special Intention Timothy Walsh req. Fr. Terrence P. Walsh
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, April 21
  8:00 Special Intention Theresa Long & Claudia Welling req. Gisselle Aquirre
12:10 +Dorthy Grady req. Edward Grady
Tuesday, April 22
  8:00 Special Intention Joe Butler req. AOH
12:10 +Josephine Henson req. John Pascale
Wednesday, April 23
   8:00 Jane F. Gannon req. Daughter
 12:10  +Betsy Wooff req. Fabiola Contreras
Thursday, April 24
8:00 +Doug Milne req. Fabioal Contreras
12:10   Louise Puguin req. Kelly Smith
Friday, April 25
  8:00 +Dila Haidar req. granddaughter
12:10 Thanksgiving to God
Saturday, April 26
  8:00 +Michael Begley req. Friends
12:10    +Ann Kimbell & Wilma Bouchard req. Laurie Kimbell

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.

Come, O Most Holy Spirit, Come
(Revisited)
- Fr. Terry Walsh
 “I Believe in the Holy Spirit”
God has revealed Himself to all the world as a personal God of love. He is not simply some unknowable distant force. He has revealed Himself as the essence of love, of purity, of holiness, and He is knowable to all who seek Him. He has revealed Himself as One God, but Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity is of course the greatest Mystery of our faith and through our assent of faith, that is, through our ‘yes’ to God, we are given bountiful graces to grow in our understanding. This gift of faith is sustained and nourished most especially through our encounters with Jesus in the 7 Sacraments.
 Each Sunday, just after hearing the Word of God, we proclaim our ‘yes’ when we stand and assert our Catholic Faith. During the course of our prayer, we say the words: “I believe in the Holy Spirit” - the distinct and equal Person of the Trinity. “The One whom the Father has sent into our hearts, the Spirit of his son, is truly God”(Gal. 4:6). “When the Father sends his Word, he always sends his Breath. In their joint mission, it is Christ who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals Him”(ccc689).
 The Holy Spirit unites the faithful into the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ as He gives and sustains supernatural Divine life. St. Gregory of Nyssa describes this holy “anointing” in this way: “The notion of anointing suggests…that there is no distance between the Son and the Spirit. Indeed, just as between the surface of the body and the anointing with oil neither reason nor sensation recognizes any intermediary, so the contact of the Son with the Spirit is immediate, so that anyone who would make contact with the Son by faith must first encounter the oil by contact. In fact there is no part that is not covered by the Holy Spirit. That is why the confession of the Son’s Lordship is made in the Holy Spirit by those who receive him, the Spirit coming from all sides to those who approach the Son in faith.” At Baptism, we are anointed with the Sacred Chrism (Oil) on the crown of our heads and we hear the words: “God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into His holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of His Body, sharing everlasting life.” In the Sacrament of Confirmation, which completes Christian Initiation, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit when the Bishop traces the sign of the Cross on our foreheads, once again with the Sacred Chrism, and says: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Recall the words of St. Paul, “…those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit…to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace…But you are not in the flesh, you are in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God really dwells in you. Any one who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in you, although your bodies are dead because of sin, your spirits are alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through His Spirit who dwells in you”(Rm 8:5ff).