Pastor’s Corner . . On August 2nd the Church offers a Plenary Indulgence to Catholics. The Church grants various spiritual gifts to her members during the year called Indulgences. An Indulgence is, in the words of Pope John Paul II:  “the expression of the Church’s full confidence of being heard by the Father when—in view of Christ’s merits and, by his gift, those of Our Lady and the saints—She [the Church] asks Him to mitigate or cancel the painful aspect of punishment [for our sins] fostering its medicinal aspect through other channels of grace.” [General Audience, Sept 29, 1999]  In other words, the temporal punishment we should receive after our death because of our sins, even those forgiven by Confession, is remitted when we perform those acts of faith and charity prescribed by the Church.
 How is this possible? As the Second Vatican Council stated, “For it was from the side of Christ as He slept the sleep of death upon the cross that there came forth ‘the wondrous sacrament of the whole church.” [Sacrosanctucm Concilium, 5.] Our Lord established the Church to be His instrument by which He would continue to reconcile the world to the Father in every place and generation. Christ came to free us from sin and death; the Church continues His work, because Jesus gave His Twelve Apostles His gift to forgive sins, to sanctify Her members through the sacraments, and to preach the fullness of truth, guided by the Holy Spirit.  The Church, therefore, dispenses to us the graces of God. To quote the Church’s own guidelines on Indulgences: “The infinitely precious merits of Jesus, Divine Redeemer of the human race, the merits of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, have been entrusted to Christ’s Church as an unfailing treasury, that they may be applied to the remission of sins and of the consequences of sin, by virtue of the power [of the Keys] of binding and loosing, which the Founder of the Church Himself conferred on Peter and the other Apostles, and through them on their successors, the Supreme Pontiffs and Bishops. This remission is given primarily, and in the case of mortal sins necessarily, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation [Confession].
 “However, even after mortal sin has been forgiven and, as a necessary consequence, the eternal punishment it deserves has been remitted, and even if slight or venial sin has been remitted, the forgiven sinner can need further purification, that is, be deserving of temporal punishment to be expiated in this life or in the life to come, namely, in Purgatory. An Indulgence, whose purpose is to remit this punishment, is drawn from the Church’s wonderful spiritual treasury mentioned above.” In other words, every time we commit a sin, that sin affects us: it’s like eating too much fatty food: once you stop, you still have cholesterol and a chubby body! When we sin, the sin affects us, leaving a type of spiritual cholesterol on our souls.  By doing penance now, or in Purgatory after our death, we work off that spiritual fat or cholesterol resulting from our overindulgence in sin. This is part of the great and consoling mysteries of the Church and the Communion of Saints: we are all spiritually united in Christ, and work for the salvation of all.  All the saints, Jesus and His Blessed Mother, then, all join in to pay for our sins, if we join in to perform the spiritual works assigned us by the Church.
 On August 2nd, the Church celebrates the Portiuncula.  The Portiuncula is the small chapel, originally built sometime in the 11th century outside the Italian hill town of Assisi, which St. Francis of Assisi saw in a dream in 1207. Saint Bonaventure described this chapel of the Portiuncula, originally dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels:
 “The Portiuncula was an old church dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God which was abandoned. Francis had great devotion to the Queen of the world and when he saw that the church was deserted, he began to live there constantly in order to repair it. He heard that the angels often visited it, so that it was called Saint Mary of the Angels, and he decided to stay there permanently out of reverence for the angels and love for the Mother of Christ.
 “He loved the spot more than any other in the world. It was here he began his religious life in a very small way; it is here he came to a happy end. When he was dying, he commended this spot above all others to the friars, because it was most dear to the Blessed Virgin.” [Life of Saint Francis]
Because of the great spiritual importance of Saint Francis and the Franciscans in renewing the Church through the centuries, the Church offer a Plenary Indulgence for the living or the dead on August 2nd, to those who go to Confession sometime within the week of August 2nd, visit their parish church, recite the Creed and one Our Father for the intention of Pope Benedict XVI, and receive Holy Communion is the state of grace on August 2nd.
Since most of us will be unable to visit Assisi on August 2nd, the Church offers the same spiritual benefits to Catholics around the world who, on August 2nd, visit their parish church, perform this simple spiritual good work, and join themselves spiritually with Christ for the salvation of the world.
Let us take advantage of these spiritual gifts of Christ through His Church. Prepare by going to Confession and truly repenting and turning away from all sin—even the inclination to sin. And on August 2nd, visit our beautiful parish church, receive Holy Communion worthily, and recite the Creed and one Our Father for the intentions of the Holy Father. Since the Indulgence can be had for yourself or for someone who has died, consider being generous, and offer it for a member of your family or friend who has died, and share with them these fruits of your faith and charity, empowered by the merits of Christ, the Blessed Mother and the Saints.
---Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Mather Dearbone, Jim Bosilevas, Felicia Stamadini, 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… Guglielmo Labrosciano, Mary Connaly, Christopher Kanel, Rose Sobieski, Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr. Susan Perretta, Ann O. Tartaglia, George Lampman, Mary Louise Deluca, Viola F. 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.

                THE PARISH MYSTERY THEATER
                                              Presents the
                          Rectory Players
           In a Radio Style Presentation
                    of:
         AGATHA CHRISTIE’S
        The Unexpected Guest
         At 7:00 p.m. August 7, 8 & 9
           In The Rectory Ball Room
            45 seats - $30.00 each
             Beverages & Desserts)
                  (16 minimum age)

Sunday, July 6, 2008   $ 11,600.00

Sunday, July 8, 2007  $ 10,534.76
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory. PLEASE NOTE: The Latin group will meet on Monday—July14th, 21st & 28th instead of Wednesday during July. In August, the group will return to their usual Wednesday evening meetings.  If you’ve studied high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! After Latin, Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies:  Popes of the Early Church:  PLEASE NOTE: due to summer traffic and parking difficulties, the remainder of the July classes are CANCELLED will next meet on August 6th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. All are welcome.  Please join us at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory

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.  BIBLE STUDY WILL NOT MEET DURING THE SUMMER. We’ll begin in September.
  
Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th:
Parish picnic at Cove Island. Details to follow.  

Banns of Marriage:  2nd Methernick Bernadel & Yves Volcy

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

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 August 5th.

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

The Stamford Advocate:
July 20, 1889: “Mayor Grant, of New York City, with John D. Crimmins, ex-park commissioner, were in Stamford last Sunday and attended the 9 o’clock mass in St. John’s church. The mayor was much pleased and delighted with the large and beautiful church edifice, for there are few churches in the state or country that can surpass this magnificent stone building. Mr. Grant had the pleasure of meeting the pastor, Rev. W. H. Rogers, and assistants after the celebration of Mass. Rev. James Lawless celebrated his first high mass on Sunday, June 30, in this parish, with Rev. Father Keena acting as deacon. Mr. Peter McClane as sub-deacon, and Rev. Father Carroll, master of services. There was no sermon but Rev. Father Carroll, in a most appropriate manner, congratulated Father Lawless on his priesthood and wished him a long and happy life in his holy calling. He also said it was a happy day for his parents to witness such an event, and also a pleasure and honor to the parishioners, among whom he has lived since his boyhood.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
July 16, 1892: STAMFORD “The glorious Fourth was more than welcome, on this occasion the town being 250 years old. At midnight our church and school bells were tolled for one hour. At sunrise also the neighborhood was awakened by the bells, and the boys were busy with their fire crackers and torpedoes. St. John’s parish annual picnic was the chief attraction of the day. After 9 o’clock mass all the Catholic societies of the parish turned out in a body headed by St. John’s brass band to Woodside Park, where all enjoyed a gala time. Sports of all kinds were indulged in and good music and plenty of dancing for young and old. An interesting game of ball was played between the Second Division, A.O.H., and St. Joseph’s T.A.B. society, in which the latter was defeated by a good game: Score 9 to 11. Captain Flanigan had his team of foot-ball players and played a good game in a mixed match. The picnic was a grand success.”

The Stamford Advocate:
July 16, 1910:  Father Sullivan’s Successor.  “The Danbury News published the following concerning Father Coleman, curate of St. Peter’s Church, Danbury, who comes to Stamford as successor to Father Sullivan. Father Coleman is a Connecticut man, a native of New Haven, and has been in Danbury about eight years. He stands high in the community, and has many friends among all denominations, and it will be with a great deal of regret on the part of the people, especially those with whom his work has brought him in close contact that he will leave Danbury. Father Coleman was born in New Haven, was graduated from the Hillhouse High School, and finished his classical studies at St. Charles’ College, Baltimore. He then went to the North American College in Rome, Italy, for his philosophical and theological courses, graduating in June 1902. He was ordained in Rome on June 15 of that year. In Danbury, during his seven years’ stay, Father Coleman has had charge of the work among the Italian people, beside having an important part in the general work of the parish.”

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, July 12
4:00 +Travis Hill req. Grandparents

Sunday, July 13
  7:30 +George Grzesczyk req. Josephine Languedoc
10:00 +Julee Delaney birthday remembrance req. Family
12:00  +Ann Mara 1st Anniversary req. William & Jeanne Laughlin
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, July 14
  8:00 +Mrs. Irene Valentino req. Wanda & Paul Verille
12:10 +Rosario D’Amico req. his brother Frank

Tuesday, July 15
  8:00 Special Intention Theresa Smith req. Denis & Kristin Cassidy
12:10 +Stephen, Irene & Nicholas Churley & Anne C. Yaworski req. Mary Churley

Wednesday, July 16
   8:00 +Frances Delaney req. Marie Carr
 12:10 +Antonio D’Amico req. his son Frank

Thursday, July 17
8:00 +John Joseph Coulter req. Joseph L. Silva
12:10     +Antonio D’Amico req. his son Frank

Friday, July 18
  8:00 All Souls in Purgatory
12:10 +Mary Ann Vagnone req. Lisa Fabrizo

Saturday, July 19
  8:00 Special Intention Richard Paul Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10    +Jayson Jarrett req. Norma Jarrett

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 II
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”(2 Cor 17)
 There is an objective moral Truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Truth is a Person, not an opinion. Where He is, there is Truth, there is Life. He longs to dwell IN each of us, if we’ll open our hearts to receive Him. The Scriptures tells us that the Truth is written in our hearts by God Himself. We’re able to discern and understand the Truth; indeed, we have an obligation to seek the Truth and once we discover it, to adhere to it. The biggest obstacle to our living in the Truth is the sin of Pride. Pride clouds our vision and leads us down the road of selfishness. There’s a sort of “self-absorption” that leads to the erroneous understanding that somehow the human person is at the Center of the Universe and the whole world revolves around the subjective person. So we hear common phrases along the lines of “I’ll respect ‘your truth’ if your respect ‘my truth,’ which of course is nonsense. The simple principle of Non-Contradiction applies. A thing can’t be true and false at the same time. The Catechism teaches: “The exercise of freedom does not imply a right to say or do everything. It is false to maintain that man, ‘the subject of this freedom,’ is ‘an individual who is fully self-sufficient and whose finality is the satisfaction of his own interests in the enjoyment of earthly goods’…by deviating from the moral law man violates his own freedom, becomes imprisoned within himself, disrupts neighborly fellowship, and rebels against divine truth”(ccc 1740).
 While it’s true that we must “follow our conscience” it is no less true that we are obligated to FORM our conscience (Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, Good Deeds – in a word, Grace). While we certainly owe respect and kindness to all people, we’re called to witness to the Truth, and this may lead to disagreements concerning any number of issues. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, we’ve been given the grace to teach and defend the faith, in other words, to teach and defend the truth, but to do so with love and respect. If we’re going to be faithful to our “Life in Christ” witnessing to our Lord though our fidelity to the Truth, then we need to grow in our knowledge and understanding of the Truth. How can we give what we do not possess? Ah, we’re back to the virtue of Humility. “Lord, teach me.” That humble little prayer expresses a desire to put aside our own opinions so that we can become rooted and grounded in the Truth. Consider the retort our Lord makes to the proud Sadducees who thought themselves wise and learned but were in fact harboring resentment to the Truth because it got in the way of the “lifestyle” they had grown accustomed to living. Jesus said: “Is not this why you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God”(Mk 12:24)? Have we fallen into the same trap? When we offer opinions on the moral life, are these based upon the Will of God, which is perfect, beautiful, pure, and holy (and is easily discovered in the humble heart who seeks the Truth through the Word Himself in Sacred Scripture) or, are these opinions based on the standards set by the world, the cultural norms “agreed upon” by the loudest voice and the most money? Another came to Him, seeking the Truth, and asked Jesus: “Which commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, ‘The first is “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” ‘The second is like this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself’”(Mk 12:28). The Moral Life: “Faith working through Love”(St Paul).