Pastor’s Corner… August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.  The Mass schedule is listed below. Since it is a holy day of obligation, all Catholics must attend Mass.  Last week we celebrated the Transfiguration of Our Lord, when He revealed His glory as God to His Apostles prior to His death on the Cross.  The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is the fulfillment of that promise of glory and eternal salvation of the whole human person, body and soul. 
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the first after Our Lord to experience the Resurrection of the Body: that’s what the Assumption of Mary is, her bodily resurrection into heaven.  This is why she wears a crown: the crown of the one who has, as St. Paul describes it, run the race to the finish, and won, not a perishable crown of leaves, as did victorious athletes in ancient Rome, but the crown of eternal life in the flesh. Christ came to save the entire human person.  Since we are composed of body and soul, that means He came to save both body and soul from eternal death.  The body is important, everyone knows that.  We know the world, the love of our mothers, fathers, friends, husbands, wives, and children, because of our senses. We don’t just intuit love or beauty; we know it through our sense experience; through our bodies.  We enjoy the beauty of a day and of creation, the glories of human ingenuity and talents, music, art, literature, all through our senses.  Our body is an essential part of us, as is our soul.  Christ took on human flesh and became like us in everything but sin, so He could redeem the entire person.  To think that eternal life is just for our souls is to hope for only partial salvation.  As St. Paul says, we will see God face to face. Likewise, St. Paul instructs us, “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?”  As the image of God, then, our body is important, and respect for the body in human morality essential to the Christian for eternal life.
Our Lady, the closest and most perfect disciple of Christ, the spouse of the Eternal Father, who conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the first to experience this eternal life in the flesh.  The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven is about Christ’s promises and hard work coming to fruition for Mary and for all of us.   In a homily by St. John of Damascus, an 8th century Father of the Church, we catch a glimpse of the mystery of Mary’s bodily Assumption into Heaven: “How could Mary taste death from whom the true Life [Christ] flowed out to all? Yet she did fall under the law inflicted by Him whom she bore, and as a daughter of old Adam she suffered the old sentence of death, even as her Son did, who is Life itself.  But now as Mother of the living God, she is fittingly taken up to heaven by Him.  For how could death feed on this truly blessed one who had eagerly listened to the word of God; who at the Archangel’s salutation, filled with the Holy Spirit, conceived the Son of God; who without pain gave birth to Him; whose whole being was ever consecrated to her Creator?  Could hell receive such a one?  Could corruption destroy a body in which Life [Christ] had been brought forth?  For her, beloved brethren, a way is prepared to heaven . . . For if Christ, the Way and the Truth, has said: ‘Where I am there also shall my servant be’, does it not follow that His Mother is surely with Him?”  The Assumption of Mary bodily into Heaven is a promise to us as well, that Christ’s hard won victory on the Cross can be shared by us too.  The grave will not be our end, if we love Christ and strive to please Him in a virtuous and holy life through His Church.  Christ showed His glory as God to the Apostles on Mount Tabor.  He proved His love for us on the Cross.  He fulfilled His promises by bringing His Mother to Heaven body and soul.  Let us pray to Our Lady for strength to persevere that we too may share in this wondrous gift, body and soul, offered us by the Lord who loves us so much that He wants us with Him forever-- Msgr. DiGiovanni
 
Please pray for the sick… Anita Fasanelli, Mather Dearbone, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Margaret Timon, Felix Fiore, Estelle Burke, Margaret Barko, Margaret Roth, Jane C. Hlavaty, Joan Bankowski, 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

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

Religious Education . . .Classes begin on Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 a.m.  All classes will be held on Sunday mornings.  Please find registration forms in the vestibule of the church, or stop by the office during the week: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions…will meet every Wednesday evening in the rectory at 6:15 p.m.  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:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Western Monasticism - We will next meet on August 13th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. All are welcome. 

August 27th . . . the Feast of St. Monica, will be celebrated in the rectory for the participants in the Patristic Institute courses with Vespers, Adoration and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, followed by a champagne reception. Please call the rectory [Providencia: 324-1553, ext. 21] to reserve a spot.

Latin Mass . . . Last year, Pope Benedict XVI gave permission that the Latin Mass in its 1962 form could be offered, if a need existed.  Accordingly, last year, in this bulletin, I wrote asking those of our parish who might be interested to contact me. A handful of people responded, so we haven’t offered that Mass. Once again, I ask any parishioner interested in beginning the Latin Mass to contact me. I’m not looking for people outside our parish who might like to come to Saint John’s once in a while for a Latin Mass. The Holy Father expressly indicated that this Mass could be offered if there was a stable community of believers, meaning regular members of the parish, interested.  I’m still interested, if there is a real need and desire that the Latin Mass be offered at Saint John’s on a regular basis.  Please let me know.  Msgr. 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 September 2nd.
Sunday, August 3, 2008   $ 12,299.00
Sunday, August 5, 2007  $ 10,340.94
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

August 15th . . . The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary IS a holy day obligation: all Catholic are obliged to attend Mass: August 14th at 5:15 p.m. is the Vigil Mass; August 15th Masses at 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: August 15th . . . NO 12:10 NOON MASS. There will be a special 10:00 a.m. Mass for the Sisters of Life celebrated by Cardinal Egan. The Sisters’ Notre Dame Choir will singing Marian polyphonic motets in honor of Our Lady beginning at 9:30 a.m.

R.C.I.A…Will begin on September 30th.  Anyone interested, please contact Providencia at 203-324-1553 X21 and sign up.

Parish Picnic SEPTEMBER 14th… Please call the Parish Office and let Providencia know how many family members will be attending the Parish Picnic so that we may plan accordingly.  Please call as soon as possible – it is fast approaching!!!

St. Leo Parish…24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, announces its 28th Annual Parish Fair.  Join us Tuesday, August 26th through Friday, August 29th from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 30th from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.  Ride bracelets are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at $20.  Sample international foods; enjoy live entertainment, and try your luck in our Bingo Parlor, or our $10 raffle with a 1st prize 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 W4 sedan.  For more information call Denise Esposito at 203-322-1669 x226.

St. Anne Family Society . . . will be on the first Saturdays of each month. Our first meeting will be on Saturday, October 4th, 5:00 p.m. in the church and parish hall. Each meeting will include Eucharistic Adoration, a potluck supper and a spiritual conference. All families—including children—are invited.

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.

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. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Rosa Marchetti at 348 0232.

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:

The Stamford Herald:
August 13, 1884:   “Two huge stones, each weighing about 8 tons, have arrived at the Roman Catholic Church and will be placed at the base of the steps of the front entrance. They are of granite, highly polished, and were quarried at Leeds Island, near New Haven.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 15, 1884: “Workmen are now erecting the steps to the front entrance of the Catholic church on Atlantic Street. These blocks and slabs of granite are from an eastern quarry and will, when finished, add much to the finish of this edifice. Mr. Seth Miller has charge of the moving of them from the Waterside docks, where they were landed, to the church. The blocks arrived last week by the sloop “Wasp” from New Milford.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 15, 1903: ITALIANS CELEBRATING. “Local Italians who are Roman Catholics held a celebration today in honor of the festival of Maria Virginie Lassunta, or the Assumption, as the feast is known, in English. It is observed as a Holy Day by Roman Catholics generally, but the Italians always celebrate it in an elaborate manner. A solemn high mass was held in St. John’s R. C. Church at 10:30, at which there was a large congregation, consisting mostly of Italians. The celebrant was Father Sullivan, who was assisted by Fathers Clyne and Flynn. Rev. Pasquale Monzelli of New Rochelle preached a sermon in Italian, which was heard with marked interest by his county people. When the mass was over about noon, there was a celebration outside the church in the shape of firecrackers. The parade again formed, and, after going through the principal streets, proceeded to Woodside Park. An interesting program has been arranged for the picnic. There will be races and a baseball game, this afternoon, and this evening there will be a display of fireworks. There will be a band concert from 4 to 5, and dancing afternoon and evening.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 15, 1945:  Churches to Hold Services Tonight In Thanksgiving. “Many of Stamford’s churches are to hold services of Thanksgiving for the victory announced yesterday. Catholic churches, many of which held services last evening, are in some cases repeating the prayer service of thanksgiving tonight. The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, St. Clement’s and St. John’s will hold prayer services at 7:30 p.m. St. Cecilia’s and St. Maurice’s churches will hold services at 8 p.m.”  (Editor’s note: the following day, August 16, 1945, after V. J. Day was formally announced by President Truman, the Stamford Advocate carried a photograph of St. John’s Altar rail.  The Altar rail was full of young ladies, praying in thanksgiving that the boys would finally be coming home.)

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…will meet SEPTEMBER 8th in a NEW LOCATION: “The Upper Room” at the Restaurant Columbus Park” at 6:30 pm – bring a friend.

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, August 9
4:00 +Jackie O’Connor, req. Mary Bridget Gain
Sunday, August 10
  7:30 Special Intention Marguerite Desroches, req. John Desroches
10:00 Special Intention Mary Young Kim, req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:00 +Roberta Perrotta, req. Sharon Gannon
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family, req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, August 11
  8:00 Special Intention
12:10 +Antoinette M. DeMott, req. Thomas G. Kolenberg
Tuesday, August 12
  8:00 +Alvin Ralph, req. Hazel Valerio
12:10 Souls in Purgatory, req. Fabiola C.
Wednesday, August 13
   8:00 Special Intention Eleanor Theresa Kim, req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10      +Mrs. Robin Hoffman, req. Mary Ann Blake
Thursday, August 14
  8:00 James Cody
12:10    Olivia Rovegno
 5:15    Special Intention
Friday, August 15
  8:00 Special Intention Richard Paul Kim, req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10 NO MASS
  5:15 Special Intention
Saturday, August 16
  8:00 Special Intention
12:10    Special Intention

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.

The Knock Novena
 - Fr. Terry Walsh
(Revisited)
 The Perpetual Novena to our Lady of Knock is prayed as a National Public Novena in Ireland each year beginning on the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 14th and ending on the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary, August 22nd. Of course, the novena may be prayed anytime.
 On August 21, 1879 in the little town of Knock in the West of Ireland there were 15 people who witnessed an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary who appeared just outside the Church for 2 hours on a rainy day. The “silent” message was one of encouragement and hope. The people simply prayed the Rosary. How wonderful it is that today the Novena is prayed between the Feasts celebrating the final 2 mysteries of the Rosary, the Assumption and the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth: “She who,” as St. Padre Pio put it, “stood at the foot of the Cross at Calvary now stands beside the Altar at the Mystical Calvary at every Holy Mass throughout the world.” St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared next to the Blessed Mother throughout the time of the apparition at Knock. St. John was holding the open Bible. St. John wrote the final Book of the Bible, “The Book of Revelation” which is about the Holy Mass, the very subject of the Knock Apparition. The three stood beside an altar with a Cross and a Lamb upon the Altar. Around the Altar hovered Angels. The apparition took place at a time of great suffering in Ireland. The people endured famine, starvation, and persecution, yet they remained faithful to God. They were faithful to the Mass and the Sacraments. They prayed.
 The Church approved the apparition and today Knock receives pilgrims from around the world. Four Popes have visited the Shrine over the years. The most recent visit was on September 30, 1979 by Pope John Paul II. Our parish here in Stamford was founded by Irish immigrants around the time of the apparition; perhaps there is a connection. In addition to the Gospel and his 3 Letters in the New Testament, St. John also wrote the Book of Revelation. Revelation is essentially about the “Supper of the Lamb,” the Holy Mass. (Recommended reading: The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn)
The Novena:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Give praise to the Father Almighty, To His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, To the Spirit who lives in our hearts, Both now and forever. Amen.
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in time of distress, and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find.”
Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to Heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us. (Repeat 3 times)
ST JOSEPH, Chosen by God to be the husband of Mary, the Protector of the Holy Family, the Guardian of the Church. Protect all families in their work and recreation and guard us on our journey through life. (Repeat ‘Lamb of God’ 3x.)
ST JOHN, Beloved Disciple of the Lord, faithful priest. Teacher of the Word of God. Help us to hunger for the Word, to be loyal to the Mass and to love one another. (‘Lamb of God’ 3x’s). LITANY: Our Lady of Knock, Pray for us…. Refuge of Sinners, P… Queen Assumed into Heaven, P… Queen of the Rosary, P… Mother of Nazareth, P… Queen of Virgins, P… Help of Christians, P… Health of the Sick, P… Queen of Peace, P… Our Lady, Queen and Mother, P… Our Lady, Mother of the Church, P… (Mention your own intention here) WITH THE ANGELS AND THE SAINTS LET US PRAY: Give praise to the Father Almighty, to His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, to the Spirit who lives in our hearts, both now and forever. Amen. (The Rosary or Mass and Holy Communion is recommended each day).