Pastor’s Corner… I’ve lived here at 279 Atlantic Street for ten years, and I love it, because downtown Stamford is a phenomenal place to live, and my downtown neighbors, both residential and business, are good people.
Various complaints have been made recently about the downtown, about its proposed new buildings, the proposed transformation of the Mill River, Live at Five Concerts, increased traffic, and so on. Criticism can be a good thing because it makes us think and rethink our lives, and some of the criticisms in the recent past have helped reshape some of these projects for the better.
 Any difficulties that occur in the downtown, like those in other neighborhoods, occur because people choose to forget that we’re in this together. The Live at Five Concerts this summer are a case in point. I’ve gone down to see at least one concert each summer I’ve been in town.  I wandered through Columbus Park a couple times this summer, to see what was going on. The crowds were the largest so far, and sometimes got out of hand. Whose fault was that? It’s not the Downtown Special Services fault; nor the mayor’s; certainly not the fault of the Stamford Police.
Rowdy people in Stamford—Oh, horrors!! The Stamford Advocate complained in its January 5, 1858 number about “Shameful Rowdyism” and the destruction to the property of Galen Carter on Atlantic Street [the house that is today the parish rectory]. Another, of April 27, 1858 reported, “Drunken rowdyism is becoming alarmingly prevalent in our streets at night. Scarcely a night passes without one or more fights, seriously disturbing the peace of our citizens. Is there no remedy?” Other articles concluded that such rowdyism was the fault of the Irish Catholic immigrants! The suggested solution was to keep the Irish out and tranquility would return. I’m glad that didn’t work, or I’d be without a church, built by Irish immigrants. A similar answer today is suggested about the difficulties at Live at Five—let’s keep everybody out of town, and Stamford will stay quiet and tranquil. Well, that’ll work, won’t it! 
My suggestion is not to wreck Stamford because a few rowdies start trouble: how about urging families to train their kids right in the first place—excessive drinking, public lewdness and brawling: maybe these private vices and flaws could be best dealt with in private by families in raising their kids, instead of blaming Stamford for their expression in public. The Police do a great job in this town, but they’re not babysitters; the mayor and those in the Government Center have worked hard to make Stamford the greatest city in the state; and the DSSD has done a superb job making Stamford a wonderful place to live, work and visit, with the Thanksgiving Parade and the Live at Five Concerts, to name only two of the many great events and services they provide for the downtown.
Public institutions, the police force or city agencies cannot be held responsible for the bad job of parents in raising their kids, or for the immaturity and recklessness of many who visit this town. Our culture is a self-centered one, and the greatest virtues are those of immediate self-gratification, regardless of damage or pain to others. How odd that kids should do in public what they’ve been taught to do in private all these years—whatever they want--and that we get upset about it. 
    Stamford’s a great place to live, and the downtown is wonderful. If you want a better city, start with better families; don’t blame the city government and agencies for the faults of your kids. --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… Susan Wilhelm, 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

Monthly Collection . . . The second collection today will be the monthly 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.

NOT YET CONFIRMED?  “R.C.I.A” classes for those non-Catholics who wish to join the Church, and for adult Catholics who have not yet received Holy Communion or Confirmation, and for anyone who would like a refresher course on their Catholic Faith, will begin on September 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  Interested, please contact Providencia at 203-324-1553 ext. 21 and sign up.

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 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. All are welcome. 

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.

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.  I ask any parishioner interested in beginning the Latin Mass to contact me. 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.

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 p.m. – bring a friend

Sunday, August 10, 2008   $ 10,645.00
Sunday, August 12, 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

Hymns for this weekend . . . (1) 255  (2) 103.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

Coffee Hour. . . Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the weekly coffee hour following the 10 am Sunday Mass, please call Janet Lancaster 203-637-3301

House Blessings. . . throughout this Year of Saint Paul
(June 29, 2008-June 28, 2009), the priests of the parish will bless parishioners homes.  Please check the parish website: www. stjohnsstamford.com for the list of streets we’ll visit this month. A new list will be published each month. To schedule a blessing, please call the rectory: 324-1553, ext. 21.

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. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials – the cost for the Materials will be about 40$. 

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. 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. 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.

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

The Stamford Advocate:
August 22, 1873:   “The Roman Catholic church was densely filled on Monday evening, by a congregation met to a lecture from Rt. Rev. Bishop McFarland, of the Diocese of Hartford. The Bishop’s remarks were heard with close attention, and at the conclusion of his address a collection was taken up in aid of the new church, resulting in the addition of a handsome sum to the building fund. Mr. C. W. Smith presided at the organ with the musical skill for which he is noted.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 20, 1880:  THE R. C. EXCURSION. “On Wednesday morning about nine o’clock, about fifteen hundred persons embarked on the barge “John Neilson,” which was in tow of the tug boat “Vim,” both of the John H. Starin fleet. The temperance society, under whose auspices the excursion was given, marched from their assembly room through Main and Atlantic streets to the steamboat dock, headed by the Stamford brass band. The excursionists spent the day at Glen Island, and enjoyed a good old-fashioned time.  They arrived home a little after 8p.m.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
August 24, 1895: STAMFORD. “The 40 hours’ devotion, one of the most beautiful which the church carries out, began at St. John’s church, last Sunday morning. The main altar presented a spectacle not soon to be forgotten, being handsomely and tastefully decorated with choice cut flowers, plants and ferns and so well arranged as to till the hearts of the onlookers and visitors with admiration, presenting as it did a veritable paradise of flowers. Quite a number of visiting priests assisted the local clergy, among whom were Revs. Nihil of St. Patrick’s church, Bridgeport, Dolan and McLean of Greenwich and T. O’Brien of Noroton. The exercises came to a very successful close on Tuesday morning.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 21, 1914: CLOSE OF THE LAWN PARTY. “The unfavorable elements last evening failed to mar the pleasure on the lawn of St. John’s parochial school. If anything, the storm helped, for the cool wave, which came with it, was refreshing after the heat. It was the work of a few minutes to shift things from the lawn to the hall. The first game at euchre had been started when the storm broke. All hands took hold, and within ten minutes cards were being played under the roof of the school hall. Of course the flags and bunting were soaked, but that didn’t matter so much. It was the closing night, anyhow. A larger crowd than the evening before attended. Miss Stark again gave exhibitions of fancy dancing. The helpers at the various booths reported a good business. Those who canvassed individually were also satisfied with the results.”

Job Hunting. . . Monday, August 25th at 7:30 pm in the rectory: Career Coach Melanie Szlucha will present a Resume Critique Night: How to write a clear and effective resume: Please bring several job descriptions you’ve applied for; a current cover letter and resume; a highlighter. There is NO charge for this! For more info: 860-235-4558 or www.redine.biz

Mass Intentions

Saturday, August 16
4:00 +Vincent Freccia 3rd Anniversary req. Wife Dolores

Sunday, August 17
7:30 +Dorothy Wargo 22-Year Anniversary req. Family
10:00 +Bill Mancusi req. Virginia Gerardi
12:00 +Gabriel Gra,cia req. Sharon Gannon
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, August 18
8:00 +Joanne Fiori req. Parents
12:10 Special Intention Scholastica Nabwire req. Sons Andrew & Michael

Tuesday, August 19
 8:00 +Angelo Velez req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10 +Alexander Balutowski req. His daughter, Theresa Troilo

Wednesday, August 20
 8:00 +Vinnie Ciccolini req. Sharon Gannon
12:10 +William & Elizabeth McNamara req. Hogan Family

Thursday, August 21
 8:00 +William Hutchinson req. Marty & Marion Keary
12:10 +Leonardo Figueroa req. Laura & John Pascale

Friday, August 22
 8:00 +Joseph Fuda req. Tricia Boyle
12:10 +Marie Interlandi req. The Marchetti Family

Saturday, August 23
 8:00 +Maria Adorno req. Daughter
12:10 +James Cherry req. The Miles 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.

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 Olympics and Heroes
                                                                          - Fr. Terry Walsh

Have you had a chance to watch any of the Olympic events this past week? What amazing feats of athletic prowess. World records have been shattered right and left. Weather it be the proficiency of the swim team or the dexterity of the gymnasts or the athletic ability of a host of other participants, the display of skill and strength and sheer determination of the athletes at the games is truly inspiring. Indeed, the Games themselves bring men and women together from all over the world to compete at the highest levels and through tests of skill and endurance, they demonstrate just what the human person is capable of achieving when a goal is established and true effort is applied. Flags are raised, medals are distributed, tears are shed, memories are made. Over the years, there have been amazing stories of triumph that have so often inspired the hearts of onlookers and beckoned us to reflect on virtue. While the stories of Gold Medal winners are splashed across the Headlines, it’s very often the more hidden stories that capture our hearts and prompt us to peer into our own souls and ask simple, yet profound questions: What have I done with the gifts and skills God has given me? What have I done to celebrate the blessings he has poured into me? Have I inspired anyone today by a simple kindness, an encouraging word, an act of mercy?
While watching the Games, I am most inspired by the athlete who falls short of the goal, but climbs to new heights in virtue. Consider the gymnast who falls off the balance beam and knows she’s just lost the Gold for the team. Broken-hearted, she summons her courage and gets back on the beam to finish her routine with sheer grit and determination. Fighting off the temptation to burst out in tears and allow her fall to prevent her from rising up again, she demonstrates interior strength. She lost the medal, but she found heroic courage.
Indeed, there are heroes all around us. While the Olympics celebrate the accomplishments of the skills and abilities endowed in the human person, it is the interior disposition of every human person that is truly most compelling. And while it is wonderful to see what man can accomplish in the field, in the pool, on the court, and so on, it’s even more inspiring to see what is accomplished in the heart.
We are all participants. Our Flag is the Cross, our anthem is the Creed. Our daily preparation for the event of life is the practice of the virtues and the more we exercise them, the stronger and more vibrant we become. Our coach is Christ Himself. He has taught us through His own life, death, and Resurrection. He encourages us through our daily prayer; He feeds us with all we need through the gift of Sacramental Grace. He binds our wounds. He strengthens our will, if we let him, if we “participate” in His “game plan.” Indeed, it is Christ Himself who crowns the Victor. All who triumph over sin and temptation will be crowned: the one who gives a hungry person a meal; the one who encourages a co-worker, a family member, a teammate; the one who endures the suffering of the Cross through illness and offers that suffering to Christ, that it be joined to His suffering upon the Cross, for the Salvation of Souls; the one who simply seeks to live each day according to the will of our Heavenly Father - with humility and love – is a hero.