Pastor’s Corner… July 26th is the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Their lives are known only through legends, especially passed on through an apocryphal book of Saint James.  The legend goes something like this: Anne was a wealthy lady from Bethlehem; Joachim was an exceedingly rich man of Nazareth, of the royal house of David.  Theirs was a virtuous and pious married life. As a sign of their love for God, they divided their substantial wealth in three portions: one part for the Temple in Jerusalem, one for the poor, and one part for their own household. Although happily married and wealthy, they were childless.  This was a source of public reproach, for people erroneously thought their being childless was divine punishment for some past sin.  Despairing of God’s mercy, Joachim left his wife and home and retired to a shepherd’s hut in the wilderness, where he began to fast and do penance. The Archangel Gabriel visited Joachim and told him to return to his wife, while at the same time an angel visited the grieving Anne and instructed her to trust in God and to go out of the city to meet her returning husband. The two met at the Golden Gate leading into Jerusalem, where they embraced and kissed.  Returning home, Anne conceived in her old age.  The child, Our Lady, was conceived in St. Anne’s womb without the stain of Adam’s Original Sin, which we are all born with, so that she could be a worthy mother of the Eternal Son of God.    Mary was spared Adam’s Original Sin, in light of the future merits of Her Divine Son, a benefit we share in by means of Baptism.
The devotion to Saints Joachim and Anne has been very strong here at Saint John’s, since the founding of the parish.  In fact, the banner hanging from the pulpit this weekend is the oldest banner from the early Saint Anne Society of Saint John’s, dating from the 1880’s.  It shows Saint Anne teaching her daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, to read Scripture.  Fr. Walsh will resume monthly Saturday evening meetings of the Saint Anne Society to all families of the parish [including children], for prayer, potluck supper and spiritual instruction. 
Please pray to Saints Joachim and Anne for your family and for the families of the parish. The relics of Saint Anne are displayed on the Blessed Mother’s Altar.  This holy couple changed human history by their faith in God and fidelity to their marriage, even in times of difficulty and doubt.  Their perseverance and trust in God brought forth their longed-for child, Our Lady, who became the mother of Jesus, whose death and resurrection destroyed the power of sin and death.  Imitate their love for the Lord, their fidelity to each other, and their teaching and forming their child, Mary, in the faith.  Teach your children in the same way--and change history, for the better. ---Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Joan Bankowski, Felix Fiore, 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,

            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)

Mission Co-operative Plan Collection . . . Please drop your  envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory.  There will only be one collection today.

Accepting Applications… Thomas More College is dedicated to classical education in the Catholic intellectual tradition.  Focused on the classroom and the great texts of Western Civilization, the purpose of the college is to help transform the heart and mind of each student.  With campuses in Merrimack, NH, and Rome, Italy, the college is still accepting applications for Fall 2008.  Students interested should contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 880-8308 or visit the website at www.thomasmorecollege.edu.

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

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.

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.
Sunday, July 13, 2008   $ 11,532.00
Sunday, July 15, 2007  $ 11,295.81
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Learning How to Network to Find Your Next Job … Monday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. in the Rectory.  Summertime is filled with networking opportunities! Parties, concerts and all sorts of get-togethers are great opportunities to meet new people and potentially someone who could help you find your next job.  But...you've got to get your networking act together and learn how to introduce yourself and the type of job you're looking for so that other people can help you find it.  As a job interview and resume coach for over 4 years, I love helping people navigate the sticky world of job searching. Combining my 10 years of experience as a hiring manager, with the collective experience and camaraderie of the group, you'll get the support you need to find the job you want.  We'll cover this topic, as well as anything else that's on your mind about your job search issues. Recruiters, hiring managers, how to respond to ads--you bring the topic, we'll discuss it. Thanks Melanie Szlucha 203-866-1606 (Office) 860-235-4558 (Cell) http://www.redinc.biz.  Ask me about booking me as a speaker for your organization or sign up for my FREE Ezine of job hunting tips at http://www.redinc.biz

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! Following the  Latin reading group, 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.  We 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.

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 Connecticut Catholic:
July 25, 1891: STAMFORD. “The delegation headed by Rev. Father Keena to the shrine of St. Ann, Toronto, Canada, arrived home last Friday. All seemed deeply impressed with the pilgrimage and claim they are much benefited by the journey. Some miraculous cures have often taken place at this shrine.” (Editor’s note: Rev. Thomas J. Keena was an assistant from 1886 to 1897.)

The Stamford Advocate:
July 27, 1903: IN MEMORY OF POPE LEO. “A solemn high mass of requiem for Pope Leo will be celebrated in St. John’s R. C. church at 9:30 tomorrow. The celebrant will be Rev. Father Leddy and the assisting priests will be Fathers Sullivan, Flynn and Clyne. A sermon will be preached by Father O’Brien, and will dwell on the life and work of the late Pope. A catafalque is to be erected in the church, and there is to be a guard of honor about it, consisting of members of the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Joseph’s Temperance Society, who will wear mourning. The church has been draped in mourning for several days. At all the services yesterday a special prayer for the Pope was said. The service tomorrow will be of an impressive character, and will be of such interest to non-Catholics as well as to members of the church. A solemn high mass of requiem is one of the most solemn ceremonies in the church ritual. A general invitation is extended to Stamford people to be present.”

The Stamford Advocate:
July 21, 1911: “Sister M. Ursula, of Hartford, formerly a teacher in St. John’s parochial school, has been visiting at the local convent. Yesterday she received calls from a number of her former pupils, among them Dr. D. A. Hanrahan, Police Sergeant William Nevins, Chief of Police William H. Brennan and Thomas J. Prichard. There is a warm spot in Sister Ursula’s heart for the old Stamford school boys and the latter never lose an opportunity to show appreciation of the woman who sought to assist in the making of their lives.”

The Stamford Advocate:
July 24, 1918:  “The knitting unit of St. John’s Catholic Church, organized to work for the soldiers and sailors of the United States, meets this evening at 8 in the vestry of the church. All members and the instructors are requested to be present.”

The New York Times:
July 20, 1935:  Stamford Church Tower Is Razed by Lightning. “Lightning struck a tower tonight on St. John’s Catholic Church here and demolished it, scattering great chunks of granite on the street and sidewalk ninety feet below. One boulder weighing about 100 pounds was hurled across Atlantic Street through the skylight of a retail shop. Damage estimated at $2,500 was caused by the storm.” (Editor’s note: the above mentioned boulder now rests adjacent to the front steps of St. John’s Rectory.)

Mass Intentions

Saturday, July 19
4:00 +DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco & Edwin Clark req. John & Joan Kronk

Sunday, July 20
  7:30 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
10:00 +Sacha Borthwick req. Suzanna Borthwick
12:00  Special Intention Michael & Jennifer Marchetti
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, July 21
  8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10 +Lloyd Critchlow 1st Anniversary req. Sandra Rivera

Tuesday, July 22
  8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10 +Betsy Woolf req. Fabiola C.

Wednesday, July 23
   8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10  +Jeanne Byxbee req. Lisa Fabrizio

Thursday, July 24
8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10    Archbishop Thomas Dolinly

Friday, July 25
  8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10 Thanksgiving William McGraw req. Joseph McGraw

Saturday, July 26
  8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10    Special Intention Marion Morris & Family req. Diane Strain

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
                                    “The Moral Conscience”
                                                 Part III       - Fr. Terry Walsh
“Return to your conscience, question it….Turn inward, brethren, and in everything you do, see God as your witness” – St. Augustine
 The Catechism teaches: “Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey (1776) ….In all he says and does, man is obligated to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right (1778).” God created us in His Image. We have intelligence and freedom and an immortal soul. He has written the Truth on our Hearts and beckons us to “live the Truth in Love”(Eph. 4:15). We can only accomplish that call through the grace of God. As we grow in grace, we are effectively allowing the Voice of God to grow loud and clear in our hearts. Then, our decisions and the examination of our lives will be made through the assistance of the Holy Spirit. In Letter to the Duke of Norfolk, John Henry Cardinal Newman wrote: “Conscience is a law of the mind; yet Christians would not grant that it is nothing more; I mean that it was not a dictate, nor conveyed the notion of responsibility, of duty, of a threat and a promise…Conscience is a messenger of him, who, both in nature and in grace, speaks to us behind a veil…. Conscience is the aboriginal Vicar of Christ.”
Formation of one’s conscience is essential. It is a duty. In order to faithfully walk in the Light of Christ, we have to understand what that means. We discover the answer through the Scriptures, the Catechism, and of course through our prayer, our conversations with God. The world would have you believe that conscience is nothing more than “whatever feels right to me” – basically giving license to act without regard to the Gospel. But in his letter to the Romans, St. Paul explains that this relativistic way of thinking is utter folly and will meet a bad end. We are able to know and understand Truth and are in fact called to adhere to it. “Ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature, namely, His eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools….they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator”(Rm1:20ff). It’s the age old battle between Pride and Humility. Humility seeks the Truth; Pride denies it. Humility recognizes weakness; pride denies it. Humility opens the heart to love; pride thrives on selfishness and effectively denies love. Humility honors God; Pride denies Him.
How do we “honor” God? How do we give Him thanks and praise? Are our hearts in union with His will? Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments…pick up your Cross and follow me…love one another as I have loved you.” The examination of conscience is crucial. If we ask Him, our Lord will reveal just how we’re doing. Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” It may be on a park bench, or during a summer stroll, or perhaps as you kneel before the Tabernacle – whenever and wherever you “sit with God” – in a quiet moment, welcome God into your “inner room” – your heart – and bring him your thoughts, your concerns, your questions, your joys and sorrows. Take time to examine how you’re doing in light of the Commandments and Beatitudes. Listen, quietly, to his response in your heart. This faithful “dialogue” is an act of love and it honors him. Bring him the faults and failings in the Sacrament of Confession with complete trust in his mercy and love and be renewed by his healing grace. Then, press on. This honors him. “Live the Truth in Love”(St. Paul).