Pastor’s Corner . . . “The audience assembled on Sunday morning last”  [May 30, 1886] “at 10 o’clock in the new Catholic church of Stamford, was limited only by the capacity of the building, which spacious as it is, could not contain all who sought admission within its walls. While hundreds more stood outside, not less than twenty-five hundred people, obtained entrance, and witnessed the impressive ceremonial of dedication by the Rt. Rev. Bishop McMahon and the priests chosen as his assistants for the occasion.” Thus did the Stamford Advocate begin its report of the dedication ceremonies of the upper church, adding, “The new church is undoubtedly one of the very finest ecclesiastical edifices in the state.” [The Stamford Advocate, June 1, 1886]
 The property was purchased in 1870 by the pastor, Father John Fagan, from Andrew J. Bell for $12,000. Unwilling to sell to any Catholic, the assistance of a Protestant gentleman with pro-Catholic sentiments was secured. Mr. Henry T. Smith purchased the land, and then sold it to the parish. Original plans were drawn up by James Murphy of Providence, R.I., and the cornerstone laid on June 23, 1872. Work began in earnest by the Murphy & Kennedy Company during the pastorate of Father Michael Tierney, and the lower church opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1876. There the work stopped for lack of funds. Father William Rogers renewed the work in 1882, contracting John Ennis, who “devoted himself almost exclusively to this work for the last four years.” [ibid.] Total construction time was 16 years to complete our church.
 The stone, front steps and altar attracted especial notice from the newspapers. According to the New York Times, the stone used for the church was quarried at Leeds Island, near New Haven, “from which the stone used for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty came.” [N.Y. Times, May 31, 1886] The pink granite exterior steps, as well as the granite hand rails on the front entrances [each weighing 8 tons!], came from the same quarry. The altar is of Italian and American white marbles, with Mexican onyx columns and decorations, and was pronounced to be “the most beautiful altar in the United States.” [The Stamford Advocate, November 20, 1885]
 All in all, Stamford was quite impressed: Saint John’s was the largest church in the state, and the ceremonies were attended by nearly the entire 4,000 person Catholic population of the city, with 25 priests and the Bishop of Hartford, and 24 other assistants and seminarians attending. Nowhere in Yankee Connecticut had there been such an expression of the rapid growth of the Church as on May 30, 1886 in Stamford, an up-and-coming city in southwestern Fairfield County.  The preacher for the day was Father Ignatius Horstmann, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, who reminded those assembled of the pace of Catholic growth in town: “What a change forty years have brought about in the Catholic Church here in Stamford. The progress of Catholicity in your midst can be read from these facts: from the Mass offered up in private houses to the modest frame chapel on Meadow Street, that was twice enlarged and improved, then to this magnificent structure worthy to be called a cathedral. At first a few faithful, now one-third of the entire population of the town.” [The Connecticut Catholic, June 5, 1886]
 All the accounts, besides narrating the beauty of the building, commented on the extraordinary cost of construction: $250,000, and the fact that there only remained  $50,000 in debt. The devotion of the Catholics of Stamford to Stamford’s Mother parish was evident then, and continues today.  As St. John’s was the home to the first Catholic immigrants to the Stamford area, so we continue, offering assistance and a spiritual home to all Stamford. Happy Anniversary, St. John’s! –Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Susan Perretta, 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.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Viola S. Russo, 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.

3 GREAT upcoming EVENTS:

AROUND the World DINNER:
Sunday, June 22nd at 5:00 p.m.: Our annual fund raising supper and auction.  Please join us to help raise funds to repair our church bell tower. Tickets:  $100 each.  Details to follow!
 
MONASTIC RENEWAL OF SAINT BENEDICT: 11 a.m. Lecture and 12 noon Choir Mass:
Sunday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m.: Father Cassian Folsom, founding Prior of the Monastery of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St. Benedict, will speak on Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican II, in the Monsignor Nagle Hall, followed by 12 noon Solemn Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The choir will sing the Tu Es Petrus Mass setting by Palestrina. All are welcome.

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

Moms & Tots . . . a group of moms and children meet with Fr. Walsh each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in church for Eucharistic adoration, followed by snacks in the parish hall. Please join us.  Our next meeting will be on June 3rd.

Young Adult Faith on Tap… For men and women in their 20’s and 30’s normally at Bennigan’s Restaurant – just across the street - from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  We’ll meet there the 2nd Monday of each month. But, our JUNE 9th meeting will take place at the Parish Rectory, 279 Atlantic Street – COOKOUT. Bring a friend!

Banns of Marriage:  2nd  Vu Nhat Tran & Thao Vu

Sunday, May 25, 2008    $ 10,712.00
Sunday, May 27, 2007    $ 8,326.85
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) 225  (2) 234.

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’ve got high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies will next meet on June 4th at 7:30 pm in the rectory: History of the Monks of Syria: led by Doctor Lois Gandt, we will read English translations of the works by St. Theodoret of Cyrrhus.  All are welcome.  Please join us.

Bible Study…Monthly meetings. Our next meeting is June 19th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  We’re reading the Book of Revelation.  All are welcome!

COFFEE HOUR…Not during the summer. Will return in September.

The Cardinal . . . We’re looking for anyone who appeared in that film, shot at Saint John’s in 1961. Even if only on screen for a moment as one of the school children or inside the church, please give me a call.
Msgr. DiGiovanni—324-1553, ext. 11

St. Maria Goretti Society…For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 9th - 12th grades will meet on Sunday, June 1st after the 12:00 noon Mass from 1:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  in the Rectory.  For more information, please call Rosa Marchetti at 348-0232.

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 Connecticut Catholic:
June 4, 1881: STAMFORD. “In spite of the blinding northeastern rain storm that raged last Friday evening, all the sodalities and a large number of St. John’s congregation came together in the unfinished portion of the church to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Rev. Father Rogers elevation to the priesthood.  For a few days before, Father Rogers had been surmising that something of an unusual and interesting character was transpiring among the sodalities, but it was not until 7:30 o’clock on the evening in question, that he got in possession of the pleasing fact that they were about to manifest their appreciation of his eight years of zealous and self sacrificing labors among them by presenting him with an address, a beautiful chalice and a gold water vessel.  At the hour named, a messenger informed him that his presence was desired in the church, and he proceeded there at once, entirely unconscious of the real purpose for which he was wanted.  On entering, a scene presented itself for him that at once astonished and bewildered him.  Before him, in neat attire, and wearing the regalia of their orders, five sodalities were arrayed, viz. Children of Mary, Holy Angels, St. Aloysius, and Sacred Heart.  On a platform improvised for the occasion, the glittering testimonials were arranged, on the right of which stood an immense basket of rare flowers, and on the left an illuminated address encased in a superb frame.  Father Rogers having taken his seat, to which he had been conducted by the Rev. Father Walsh, and having recovered from his surprise, the sodalities under the leadership of Sister Gabriel, who presided at the organ, broke into a song of “Welcome to Our Pastor,” filling the church with harmony.  Then Master D. Hanrahan delivered the following address in a clear, well modulated voice: “Reverend and very dear Father – Long have we desired to testify our gratitude and give expression to the sentiments of sincere affection which animate our hearts, and anxiously have we looked forward to an occasion like this, that we might be permitted to do so. Be assured, dear Father, we are not insensible to the more than paternal solicitude in the desire we feel to make an adequate return, but conscious of our inability to do so, we must give vent to our feelings in words.  For this purpose we have assembled here this evening and called you in or midst to thank you, our fine and devoted Father, for your generous disinterestedness toward us.  Our warmest expressions would faintly convey to you the affection which prompts the effusion of our sentiments in your regard.  A return for all this we cannot hope to make.  No, we leave the reward to Him to bestow who is the principle of all your actions, and whose holy spirit animates your zeal, and if He has promised not to be unmindful of a cup of cold water, given in His name, what may we not hope for, for you?  You who have given your life, your health, your talents, your all, to His divide service.  We pray with all the fervor of our souls that a long life of usefulness may be given you, and that St. John’s may ever enjoy the fruits of your ministry.  Dear Father, we have a little favor to ask; and that is your gracious acceptance of this little gift, a trifling testimonial of the reverence and esteem in which your memory is enshrined in the hearts of your devoted children of St. John’s”.” (Editor’s Note – The Reverend William H. Rogers was pastor from 1876 to 1900. The Sanctuary Lamp was a gift to Father Rogers on the occasion of his 25th anniversary held on June 3, 1896.)

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, May 31
4:00 +DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco & Edwin Clark req. John & Joan Kronk
Sunday, June 1
  7:30 People of the Parish
10:00 Rev. Msgr. Nagle Birthday req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
12:00 Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus req. Anne Marie Samedi
 6:00 +Laverne Bernard req. Shirley Hinnau
Monday, June 2
  8:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
12:10 +Amy Reed req. Luz Contreras
Tuesday, June 3
  8:00 +Dila Haidar req. Granddaughter
12:10 +Elizabeth Daly req. Family
Wednesday, June 4
   8:00 Thanksgiving Wedding Anniversary William & Josephine McGraw req. William & Josephine McGraw
 12:10 In Honor of St. Francis req. Maria
Thursday, June 5
8:00 Special Intention Birgitta O’Brien-Costantino
12:10   +Mr. Octavias & Venilia Mehu req. by their grandchildren
Friday, June 6
  8:00 Special Intention Molly Festo
12:10 +Patrick & Vera Dandry req. John Pascale
Saturday, June 7
  8:00 Special Intention Henry Saraniero req. Sharon Gannon
12:10    +James Pepe req. Mr. & Mrs. Antonio Marchetti

Novena of the Miraculous Medal:  Mondays, 8:30 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 …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).        

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.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly on a Sunday evening for the whole family, with Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a pot luck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

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.

The Battle of Prayer
                             (Prayer II – Revisited)    -Fr. Terry Walsh
 Why is prayer a ‘battle’? There are many ‘erroneous notions’ of prayer, as the Catechism calls them, which we must battle. “Some people view prayer as a simple psychological activity, others as an effort of concentration to reach a mental void. Still others reduce prayer to ritual words and postures. Many Christians unconsciously regard prayer as an occupation that is incompatible with all the other things they have to do: they ‘don’t have the time.’ Those who seek God by prayer are quickly discouraged because they do not know that prayer comes also from the Holy Spirit and not from themselves alone”(ccc2726). Consider meditating on Paul’s letter to the Romans, ch.8 as well as the 4th part of the Catechism (“Christian Prayer” –it helps us understand the nature of prayer as well as how to pray in very practical ways). Often times, prayer involves a battle against distractions or perhaps dryness. But these are overcome by simply turning our hearts to God and asking for His help. When we humbly ask for the grace to pray better, to be consoled, to let go of distractions and to be nourished by divine grace, we will be given all we need and more. That’s not to say we won’t have to struggle from time to time. Yet, even in those periods of difficulty, our Lord is walking with us, helping us to put aside presumption and despair and instead walk the humble path of love and trust.  Perhaps you might simply pray: “Come, Holy Spirit, free my heart and mind of all distractions during this Holy Mass, or during this prayer of the Rosary, or during my reading and meditating on the Scriptures.” What a wonderful prayer of trust and fidelity. We already know that apart from Jesus we can do nothing. He’s already made that abundantly clear in the Allegory of the Vine and the Branches (Jn 15). All good things come from Him and prayer opens our hearts to a greater appreciation of his goodness to us and our complete dependence upon Him. Augustine wrote, “God wills that our desire should be exercised in prayer, that we may be able to receive what he is prepared to give.” But are we willing to be transformed and come to desire “the things that are above” – the graces of faith, hope, and love that form us into “new creations” and lead us to a new spiritual strength and wisdom that ‘enables the soul to rule the body’? Consider the words of St. Ambrose, “That man is rightly called a king who makes his own body an obedient subject and, by governing himself with suitable rigor, refuses to let his passions breed rebellion in his soul, for he exercises a kind of royal power over himself. And because he knows how to rule his own person as king, so too does he sit as its judge. He will not let himself be imprisoned by sin, or thrown headlong into wickedness.” Prayer is indispensable in realizing this spiritual maturity.
Consider a lesson from the Catechism: “The great figures of prayer of the Old Covenant before Christ, as well as the Mother of God, the saints, and he himself, all teach us this: Prayer is a battle. Against whom? Against ourselves and against the wiles of the tempter who does all he can to turn man away from prayer, away from union with God. We pray as we live, because we live as we pray. If we do not want to act habitually according to the Spirit of Christ, neither can we pray habitually in His name. The ‘spiritual battle’ of the Christian’s new life is inseparable from the battle of prayer”(ccc 2725).