Pastor’s Corner… This year is dedicated to Saint Paul, celebrating the two millennial anniversary of his birth. As part of Saint John’s celebrations, which will include a lecture series and parish retreats dedicated to Saint Paul, Fr. Walsh and I hope to visit the home of every parishioner during the coming months. We will begin in August. Since the parish has over 1,000 families, I propose doing this in an orderly fashion, dividing the parish into sectors. We’ll visit one sector per month. Otherwise, your priests will be running around from one end of the parish to the other. Each week from August 2008 through June 2009, there will be a list of streets to be visited by us. Once your street is listed, and if you would like us to visit, simply call the secretary, Providencia Rodriguez, leave your name, address, the date and time you’d prefer that we visit to bless you home and family. Father Walsh or I will return your phone call to confirm the date and time for the house blessing.
A house blessing is very simple, and should take no longer than about 10 minutes. You need not do anything—no meals or coffee—we’re all trying to lose weight! There is nothing that you should do to prepare for the blessing, other than simply be at home to answer the doorbell when we ring it on the day and time agreed upon.  There is, likewise, no charge for this, nor is any special donation needed.  This is simply one of the services parishes should normally provide parishioners, following Our Lord’s instructions to His Apostles, “You received [faith and grace] without charge, give without charge.” Either Father Walsh or I will also give each home a crucifix, blessed candles, Rosaries, a packet of prayer books and a catechism with which to develop your family spiritual life and knowledge of our Catholic faith.
We will begin in August. Attached please find a map of the parish territory with a list of the streets to be visited in August.  If you live on one of these streets, and would like your home blessed, please call the rectory and make arrangements for your house to be blessed in August.  A new list will be published each month with another portion of the parish territory included. If you live outside the parish boundaries, please call the rectory and speak with one of the priests to arrange for a house blessing.
Please, give us a call. ---Msgr. DiGiovanni

 
The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  PLEASE NOTE: The Latin group will meet on Monday—July 21st & 28th.  In August, the group will return to their usual Wednesday evening meetings, in the rectory at 6:15 pm.  If you’ve studied only 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:

Please pray for the sick… Margaret Timon, 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… Fr. David Krahel, Fr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Eileen Dulski, 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)

Air Conditioning Collection . . . The second collection today will be the Air Conditioning collection for the parish.  Your generosity is appreciated.

Accepting Applications… Thomas More College is dedicated to classical education in the Catholic intellectual tradition, employing the great texts of Western Civilization, 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.

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.

Parish Picnic: September 14th at Cove Island Park. Details to follow.

Sunday, July 20, 2008   $ 11,777.00

Sunday, July 22, 2007  $ 10,313.96
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a fall introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni. We’ll begin in September or October, depending upon interest.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies:  Popes of the Early Church:  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: 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.  We’ll begin in September.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima…Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.  In St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull, CT.  Celebrant:  Rev. Father Andrew Apostoli Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and EWTN.

Learning How to Network to Find Your Next Job … Free seminar on Monday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. in the Rectory.  Summertime’s 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 know the type of job you're looking for, so that other people can help you find it.  My experience as a job interview and resume coach for over 4 years, and as a hiring manager for 10 years, along with the collective experience and camaraderie of the group, you'll get the support you need to find the job you want.  Recruiters, hiring managers, how-to-respond-to ads--you bring the topic, we'll discuss it. 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

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.

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

August 2, 1907: PORTIUNCULA IN CATHOLIC CHURCH. “The devotion of the Portiuncula or Grand Pardon, was begun in St. John’s R. C. Church at 3 yesterday afternoon and closes at sunset today. The “Grand Pardon” dates from the early years of the thirteenth century. St. Francis, praying for the conversion of sinners, was told to ask a favor of heaven, and it would be granted. Whereupon he promptly begged that all who would come to the little Church of Our Lady of Angles at Assisi, the Portiuncula of St. Francis and his brethren – having confessed would receive full pardon of all the punishment due to their sins. The favor was inaugurated with due solemnity by Pope Honorius III. The annals of the thirteenth century tell of the throngs that bore down on the little hill town of Assisi from the evening of the day of “St. Peter in Chains” to the evening of the next day. All night the procession went in and out the little church and next evening contentedly filed out from Assisi again, singing Te Deums as they went home, some of them great distances. This continued for 200 years. So great did the crowd grow each year that the Pope extended the indulgence to the churches that had branched out from the Portiuncula. The devotion is held in only a few churches in this diocese. The privilege was obtained for St. John’s Church by the Franciscan Fathers.”

July 31, 1908: ST. MARY’S DEDICATION. “Next Sunday, August 2, at 10:30 a.m., the new St. Mary’s church will be dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney. The event marks a new era in the history of Catholicity in the city of Stamford. This infant daughter of the mother church, St. John’s, enters upon her mission under conditions that leave nothing to be desired. The pastor, Rev. Dr. Gleason, is highly elated over the future prospects of the new parish, and justly so, because, if a good kindly spirit and the good will of the people mean anything, then the new pastor has reason to be congratulated. In evidence of this, it may be stated that all the furnishings of the new church represent the gratuitous donations of the parishioners. This speaks for itself. All the masses next Sunday will be read in the new church. Masses will be read at 7, 8, and 9, and a solemn high mass of dedication at 10:30. Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney will preside. In the evening there will be solemn vespers at 7:30. A special musical program has been arranged for the solemn high mass at 10:30 and the vesper service at 7:30. The Bishop, assisted by Fathers O’Brien and Rogers, will dedicate the new church at 10:30 a.m.” (Editor’s note: Rt. Reverend Bishop Tierney was a former pastor of St. John’s Church.  His assistants, Reverend James C. O’Brien and Reverend William H. Rogers were the current and immediate former pastor, respectively, of St. John’s Church.)

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 26
4:00 +Mark Mooren req. Thomas Banahan
Sunday, July 27
  7:30 +Anna D. Do req. Thang Nguyen
10:00 +Louise Comerford req. Linda & Richard Pape & Family
12:00  +Anthony & Dereek Ramos req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
 6:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Jean-Guillaume Family
Monday, July 28
  8:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
12:10 +Michael Blanco req. Linda & Tony (Mom & Dad)
Tuesday, July 29
  8:00 +Margaret Curtis req. Mary Maloney
12:10 Happy Birthday Alexandra McGraw req. William & Josephine McGraw
Wednesday, July 30
   8:00 Thanksgiving to Our Heavenly Father
12:10 +Roseanne Fazio req. her uncle Frank D’Amico
Thursday, July 31
  8:00 Alice L. Biondo req. Ralph Haczynski
12:10   +Josephine D’Amico req. her son Frank
Friday, August 1
  8:00 +Amy Reed req. Fabiola C.
12:10 +Rose Astrid Jean-Guillaume req. her Parents
Saturday, August 2
  8:00 Special Intention Joseph H. Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10    +Dila Haider req. Granddaughter

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.

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.

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…..will NOT meet in August – we will resume in September…see you then….

    
The Year of Saint Paul
July 2008 – June 2009
Part 1
  - Fr. Terry Walsh
 This year, the Church is honoring St. Paul, commemorating the 2000th anniversary of his birth. From his letters, we’re able to learn that he had been a faithful ‘son of Israel’ – abiding by the laws and customs laid down by God through Moses. He was a faithful and zealous Rabbi who championed the cause of his people. In his ignorance of Christ, he persecuted the early Church and was the cause of great suffering for the faithful disciples of our Lord. He persisted in his pursuit of the followers of “The Way” until he encountered Jesus Himself on the road to Damascus. It was of course at that moment that the life of the Rabbi, Saul, would never be the same. It was at that moment that this zealous persecutor of the “The Way” would begin the process of conversion. Saul encountered the Light and accepted the healing rays of the One who calls each of us out of the darkness. Saul became Paul. He put on the “New Man” as he so eloquently encourages us to do in his Letter to the Ephesians. He cast aside his ignorance and sought to know the Truth and to live in the Truth. He was caught up in the love of God and became Christ’s light to the world. St. Paul wrote 13 Letters in the New Testament. These were directed to new Christian communities outside Jerusalem and also include personal letters to Timothy and Titus. His writings were meant to encourage, instruct, and at times, admonish the young Christian communities so that they too would become more faithful disciples of Jesus while at the same time help them to grow in their knowledge and love for Christ.
 Below is a list of the Letters of St. Paul in the order that they appear in the Bible (not chronological). Throughout the course of the “Year of St. Paul” we’ll take a closer look at his writings and gain a glimpse into the love and fidelity of “The Apostle” who now leads us into the Heart of Jesus through the “Sword of the Word.” There are 27 “Books” in the New Testament. St. Paul wrote half of them. Clearly, our Lord chose him to make an enormous contribution to “The Way.” In addition to his own writings, we learn much about St. Paul in the “Acts of the Apostles” (written by St. Luke). It is there that we meet St. Paul and get a sense of the spiritual journey he made ‘through the many hardships he endured.’ I would recommend reading “Acts of the Apostles” before reading the Letters of St. Paul. What a wonderful way to honor the Apostle who continues to teach, admonish, and encourage us in our journey to God. Why not read One a Month throughout the year?
(The ‘most probable’ years suggested by Biblical Scholars)
The Letter to the Romans…. probably written in the Year 57 AD
The 1st Letter to the Corinthians…. Year 54
The 2nd Letter to the Corinthians…. Year 55
The Letter to the Galatians…. Year 54
The Letter to the Ephesians the year is unclear
The Letter to the Philippians…. Year 57
The Letter to the Colossians the year is unclear
The 1st Letter to the Thessalonians…. Year 50 (*** 1st)
The 2nd Letter to the Thessalonians…. possibly Year 51
The 1st Letter to Timothy…. Year 60
The 2nd Letter to Timothy…. Year 60
The Letter to Titus….Year 60
The Letter (concerning) Philemon…. Year 57