Pastor’s Corner . . . June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion that centers on the physical human heart of Jesus Christ as a symbol of His divine love for mankind. Throughout the centuries, the human heart has been a sign of human love—what do you normally send out on Valentine’s Day, except a card with hearts all over it? Every form of devotion to Our Lord’s humanity has as its object the devotion to the entire Christ who is the Word Incarnate: the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son of the Eternal Father, who became a man so that mankind could share in God’s divine life.  So our devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart is a devotion to much more than an organ that pumped blood. Our devotion to His Sacred Heart of flesh is as the true and natural symbol of His threefold love: His human love; His sensible and spiritual love, infused with supernatural charity; and His divine love as the Word Incarnate, the Son of God made man. The thoughts of the early Church Fathers are based on two texts from John’s Gospel: John 7: 37-39: “Jesus said, ‘If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” And, John 19: 33-7: “But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.” These and other passages were joined to view the Sacred Heart as the fountain from which issues the Holy Spirit from the Savior’s wounded side.  From this came the idea of the Church as born from the pierced Heart of Christ as the new Eve from the side of the new Adam. This was developed during the Middle Ages, as greater devotion to Our Lord’s heart became more popular.  St. Bonaventure wrote, “The Church was to be formed from the side of Christ as he slept on the Cross . . . Then, as from a fountain—Christ’s innermost heart—the price of our salvation would pour out, giving to the Church’s sacraments the power of conferring grace and of being for those who live in Christ a drink of the living water ‘that gushes up for eternal life.’” [Reflections on The Tree of Life] Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Gertrude the Great, especially, were devoted to the Sacred Heart as a means to more deeply penetrate and join oneself to the mystery of the Incarnate God living in the Church and Her sacraments. The visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque [1601-1680] brought public attention and devotion to Jesus and His Sacred Heart.
The Heart of Christ, then, is the symbol of the total love of His person for the Eternal Father and for mankind. Through and beyond the human heart, through this devotion one goes to the total love of the Word Incarnate, and also to that love by which the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit love sinful humanity—not merely as a group, but loves each of us individually, and desires to redeem each of us for eternity by means of Christ’s Incarnation and Suffering, Death and Resurrection, made present through the Church and the Church’s sacraments.  The image of Jesus’ Heart, afire with love, crowned with thorns, and pierced, has become the symbol par excellence of the Incarnation, the passion and depth of God’s love for us that led the Three Persons of the Trinity all to contribute to our salvation through the life and Cross of Jesus. We should all cultivate a personal devotion to Our Lord’s Sacred Heart as a reminder of that Divine Love for each of us and to stimulate our personal response to that Sacred Love. —Msgr. Stephen DiGiovanni

Monthly Collection . . . The second collection today will be the monthly collection for the parish.  Your generosity is appreciated.
 
Please pray for the sick… Felica Stamadinli, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, 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… Susan Perretta, Mary Louise Deluca, 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.  Please call the rectory: 324-1553, ext. 21.

MONASTIC RENEWAL OF SAINT BENEDICT: 11 a.m. Lecture/ 12:00 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. Details to follow.

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 18th at 7:30 p.m. 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. July’s topic will be the Popes of the Early Church.

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a summer introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni.

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!

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: Bible Study will change its format and become more intense. We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.
       
Banns of Marriage: 2nd:  Ryan T. Supple & Michelle Guevara

Sunday, June 8, 2008    $ 10,868.00

Sunday, June 10, 2007  $ 11,353.25

I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”
---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Scott Turkington is away from the parish, teaching in Chicago this week; there will be no music for the Masses.

Saint John’s Job Fair. . Looking for a Job:. If you’ve been looking for a job but hitting dead-ends, you need our help to compose a resume, cover letter, or simply to get some direction. This is a FREE group, led by one of our parishioners, Melanie Szlucha, a professional career coach, who has offered her services to help those looking for jobs to present your self more effectively, in writing and in person. The purpose of these meetings is to help jobseekers find solutions to individual challenges.  If you’re interested, please bring a written resume or cover letter that you’ve written. More information is available on Melanie’s website:
www.reallygreatresume.com or via her email:
Melanie@redinc.biz The meeting will take place in the Monsignor Nagle Hall on Monday, June 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Please call the rectory to register: 324-1553, ext. 21. There is NO charge; bring a friend.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th-12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

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.

St. Mary’s Family Fair . . . June 18-22nd on Elm Street. A $5.00 entrance charge per person [children under 13 are free when accompanied by an adult]. Rides, food, silent auction and raffle. Come join the fun.

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

St. John’s in The Advocate . . .
. . . 100 years ago, or so:

June 21, 1872: “Preparations for the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the new Catholic Church are nearly complete, and the occasion – Sunday, June 23rd – will undoubtedly be a memorable one among the Catholic fraternity.”

June 21, 1878:  Annual Picnic. “The societies connected with St. John’s Roman Catholic church will hold their annual picnic in Woodside Park as usual on the Fourth. The attractions on the ground will include a game of base ball, a good horse trot, and games of various kinds. The managers promise a good time generally. The Stamford Cornet Band will be in attendance throughout the day.” (Woodside Park is now Scalzi Park)

June 19, 1922: ITALIANS OBSERVE ST. VITO FIESTA – SOLEMN HIGH MASS IS HELD AT ST. JOHN’S.  “Italians of Stamford observed the Saint Vito fiesta on Saturday and Sunday with the usual jollity and enthusiasm. The celebration was marked with the opening of a carnival for the benefit of the Sacred Heart R. C. Church on the proposed church grounds at Schuyler Avenue. Solemn High Mass was celebrated at St. John’s Church on Sunday morning with Rev. John Kelly officiating. The mass was followed by a procession through the principal streets of the city and the West End with the statue of the patron saint. The procession ended at the Schuyler Avenue grounds where there was a benediction by Father Kelly.”

June 16, 1928:  REV. F. J. LALLY TAKES CHARGE OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH.  “The Rev. Francis J. Lally, newly appointed pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church, arrived yesterday from Waterbury to take over the duties of the local parish. Father Lally, who succeeds the late Rev. James C. O’Brien, comes here after a service of about 18 years as pastor of St. Thomas’ Church in Waterbury. Before assuming the Waterbury pastorate he had for 13 years been pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Windsor, and during his career in the Hartford diocese had been assistant at St. Peter’s Church in East Hartford. Father Lally was born in Stratford and received his preliminary education there and at the Bridgeport High School. He attended St. Charles’ College and St. Bonaventure’s College, Allegheny, N. Y. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1886 in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hartford, and assigned to St. Mary’s Church, East Hartford, going to St. Peter’s Church in that city in 1893. He was made pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Poquonock in 1900 where he remained until 1911 when he was given the important pastorate of St. Thomas’ Church, Waterbury. He has established an excellent record in the diocese for his preaching and administrative ability. His kindly and genial personality has already made for him many friends in Stamford. The Rev. Henry M. Callahan has been acting pastor of St. John’s Church since the death of Father O’Brien.”

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 July 8th.

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, June 14
4:00 +DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco & Edwin Clark req. John & Joan Kronk

Sunday, June 15
  7:30 Special Intention Richard Paul Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
10:00 Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus req. Margarita Arenas
12:00 Saint Padre Pio 6th Anniversary of Canonization req. Our Lady of Loreto Altar Guild
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, June 16
  8:00 +Carmella D’Ariano req. Mazza & D’Ariano & Family
12:10 In Thanksgiving to Santo Padre Pio req. Giannitti Family

Tuesday, June 17
  8:00 +John Maloney req. Mary Maloney
12:10 Special Intention Anita Lindquist req. The Valles Family

Wednesday, June 18
   8:00 +James Touhey req. Family
 12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.

Thursday, June 19
8:00 Devotion to St. Jude for Daniel req. Wife & Daughter
12:10   Special Intention Marie Cognetta req. Pauline Whitehead

Friday, June 20
  8:00 +Charles W. DuVernouy req. Wanda & Paul Verille
12:10 +Achille & Micilia Paulemon req. Montanise Paulemon

Saturday, June 21
  8:00 Special Intention Eleanor Theresa Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10    +Violet Logsdail req. Mr. & Mrs. Antonio Marchetti & Family

Miraculous Medal Novena: 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 for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

The Christian Moral Life
Freedom and Responsibility         - Fr. Terry Walsh
Part I
“It was God who created man in the beginning, and left him in the power of his own inclination. If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice. He has placed before you fire and water: stretch out your hand for whichever you wish. Before a man are life and death, and whichever he chooses will be given to him.” – Sirach 15: 14-16

Saint Paul teaches in his letter to the Galatians, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery”(5:1). Through the gift of divine life, that is, through Baptism, which comes to us through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have access to every grace necessary to turn away from the slavery of sin and darkness and instead ‘walk in the Light of Christ.’ As we grow in our knowledge of God (Bible, Sacraments, Prayer, Keeping the Commandments) we grow in the habit of virtue, habits that are perfected by the supernatural grace of the Holy Spirit. We simply need to choose to follow our Lord. He doesn’t force us; rather, he presents us with the offer of life with and in Him, as well as the “cost” of discipleship, and then – “…whichever we choose, he gives us”: Eternal Beatitude, Heaven, or, sadly, the pains of Hell. Our actions, free and deliberate choices, have eternal consequences. We were created for eternal happiness in the perpetual light of Heaven. We prove our love for God by living in communion with Him here on earth – putting Him at the center of our lives. St. Augustine said, “We all want to live happily; in the whole human race there is no one who does not assent to this proposition, even before it is fully articulated”(De moribus ecclesiae catholicae) and Augustine asks the question, “How is it, then, that I seek you, Lord? Since in seeking you, my God, I seek a happy life, let me seek you so that my soul may live, for my body draws life from my soul and my soul draws life from you”(Confessions). And so, we must ask the question, “How can I best love God; how ought I live my life?” It’s a question that leads each of us to a particular vocation within the “vocation” of Christian Discipleship, or what St. Paul calls, “faith working through love.” He tells the Galatians: “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself””(5:14).
 As we grow in our knowledge of God (Scriptures, Prayer, Sacraments, Good Deeds) we can more faithfully imitate our Lord. He said, “Whatever you ASK in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ASK anything in my name, I will do it”(Jn 14:13). How pleasing it is to our Lord when we ask Him to lead us to Himself – to guard our hearts and minds – to heal us of our sins and to fill us with his love. How beautiful the life of grace for those that SEEK to do his will; to live in communion with him today, right now, at this very moment and every moment, in a gentle and harmonious way, confident in his abiding love. He calls each of us to himself. He places before us the eternal water of divine grace or the eternal fire, and he waits. He gives us the gift of freedom (without freedom, we couldn’t love) and he thirsts for our love. He gives us all that we need when we freely choose to cooperate with Him for the accomplishment of our Eternal Salvation. “By free will one shapes one’s own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude”(ccc1731).