Pastor’s Corner . . . September 14th is the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross.  For Jehovah’s Witnesses and other non-Christian religions, the Cross is only an instrument of torture. It was, once. But this instrument of mankind’s cruelty has been changed into the source of eternal life by God. It changed world history. What is so important about the Cross?  Let’s see what the Cross actually is.
On Good Friday, the Church recalls Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, and chants the Reproaches, a series of quotations from the Prophet Micah, which the Church places in the mouth of the crucified Lord. As we approach the Cross, the Lord asks us: “My people, what have I done to you? Or, how have I offended you? Answer me. I led you out of Egypt, from slavery to freedom, but you led your Savior to the Cross.  I gave you saving water from the rock, but you gave me gall and vinegar to drink. I raised you to the height of majesty, but you have raised me high on a cross. My people, what have I done to you? Or, how have I offended you? Answer me.”
Today’s feast of the Triumph of the Cross celebrates the Cross as an instrument of God’s triumph over Satan’s power of sin and death. The evil produced by man is transformed by God. This underscores the fidelity of God: While mankind repays God’s generosity with disobedience and sin, Christ repays our ingratitude with mercy, even at the cost of His own life’s blood. As the verse at the gospel for today’s Mass tells us: “Sweet the wood and precious the nails that so gently bore so blessed a burden; you alone were worthy to carry the King of Heaven, the Lord.” The verse at the offertory of the Mass emphasizes the reality of the Cross: “Protect your people, O Lord, by the sign of the Holy Cross, from the attacks of all enemies; so that our service may be agreeable to you and our sacrifice acceptable.”  During the preface of the Mass, Christ’s Cross is described as a tree: since mankind lost eternity through the original or first sin of the first Adam’s disobedience of God’s command not to touch the Tree of Life, so now Christ, the second Adam, renews eternal life through His sacrifice of obedience on a tree: “You decreed that man should be saved through the wood of the Cross.  The tree of man’s defeat became his tree of victory; where life was lost, there life has been restored through Christ our Lord.” In the hymn Crux fidelis, the Church continues her reflection on the Cross as the new tree of life:  “O faithful Cross, incomparable Tree, the noblest of all; no forest has put forth the likes of your own leaves, your flowers, your fruits. Gentle wood with a gentle nail, to support so gentle a burden! Sing, O my tongue, of the battle, of the glorious struggle; and over the trophy of the Cross, proclaim the noble triumph; tell how the redeemer of the world won victory through his sacrifice. The Creator looked on sadly as the first man [Adam], our forefather, was deceived, and as he fell into the snare of death, taking a bite of a lethal fruit; it was then that God chose this blessed piece of wood to destroy the other tree’s curse.”  There is no other means by which mankind can attain eternal life.
A relic of the True Cross upon which Our Lord suffered can be found on St. Joseph’s Altar, as is a relic of St. Helena, who rediscovered it in 327 a.d.  Tomorrow, September 15th, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, recalls the personal sufferings of Jesus’ Mother at the foot of the Cross.  Following her example, and St. Paul’s words, we should “make up what is lacking in Christ’s Cross” by adding our own personal  sacrifices: evils, pains, injustices or sufferings we endure in life, offered to God as our sacrifices joined to Christ’s Cross for the salvation of others.  The Cross is no longer an instrument of torture: it is the new tree of life for all. -- Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Paul Eldridge, Antoinetta Fiore, John Dagostino, Drew, John Castellano. Andrew DeMott, Anita Fasanelli, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Michael Murphy, Jennifer Tomasello, Mather Dearborn Fr. Joseph Link, Maureen Apruzzese, Jerry Allen, Susan Wilhelm, Margaret Timon, Felix Fiore, Estelle Burke, Margaret Barko, Margaret Roth, Jane C. Hlavaty, Joan Bankowski.  
     
   THE PARISH MYSTERY THEATER
   Presents the
Rectory Players
     Two repeat performances by popular demand
      In a Radio Style Presentation
          of:
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S
The Unexpected Guest
                  At 7:00 p.m. October 3rd & 4th
     In The Rectory Ball Room
45 seats - $30.00 each
(Beverages & Desserts)
(16 minimum age)

Banns of Marriage:  3rd Gregory Lodato & Flavia Moraes

Catholic University of America Collection . . . Please drop your special envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory. 

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 register:  Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Classes for adults. . . . Catholics who have not yet received Holy Communion or Confirmation, and for non-Catholics who wish to join the Church, will begin on September 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  Interested?  Please contact Providencia at (203¬) 324 -1553 ext. 21.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions…and will meet every Wednesday evening in the rectory at 6:15 p.m.  High school Latin is all that’s needed. Just walk in.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Will next meet on September 17th, at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory, to continue our study of John Cassian’s Spiritual Conferences.  All are welcome. 

Biblical Greek. . . I would be grateful if those interested in studying introductory Greek would call me at the rectory, extension 11, so we can schedule our lessons—Mons. DiGiovanni

St. Anne Family Society . . . Will be on the first Saturday of each month. Our first meeting: Saturday, October 4th, at 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…We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.  Interested? Please call the Parish Office, ext. 21 to register: the cost for the materials: $40.00 per person. 

House Blessings . . . Please check the parish website:  www.stjohnsstamford.com for the list of streets we’ll visit this month. To schedule a blessing, please call the rectory: (203) 324-1553, ext. 21.

Sunday, September 7, 2008     $ 14,325.00
               Sunday, September 9, 2007     $ 11,318.50
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) 256 (2) 62.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

New Adult Choir . . . St. John’s is pleased to announce the formation of a new Adult Choir to sing for the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass on Sundays. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the choir room. All with even a little singing experience are welcome! Please call Scott Turkington for more information, 324-1553, ext. 18 ... and ... Children’s Choir . . . The Children’s Choir has resumed its Saturday rehearsals. Now in its 10th year (!), the St. John’s Children’s Choir sings for the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass on Sundays, alongside our newly-formed Adult Choir. Rehearsals, at which children learn about singing and reading music, are held each Saturday from 1:00-1:45 p.m. The choir is open to boys and girls, ages seven and above, who can match a pitch and who are willing to make a weekly commitment. Please call Scott Turkington for more information, (203) 324-1553, ext. 18.

Choral Music for the 12:00 Noon Mass . . . Mass Ordinary: Missa ‘Æterna Christi munera’ – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1525-1594. Offertory motet: Nos autem gloriari opportet – Palestrina (Let our glory be in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; in him we have salvation, life and resurrection; through him we are rescued and set free. My God have mercy on us and bless us; may he cause his face to shine upon us and may he have mercy on us.). Communion motet and chant: Crux fidelis – King John IV of Portugal, 1604-1656 (Faithful cross, above all other, the one noble tree. None in foliage, nor in blossom, nor in fruit offers more: sweetest wood and sweetest iron, sweetest weight is hung on thee! [St. Venantius Fortunatus, ca. 530-609]); Vexilla regis prodeunt (The royal banners forward go, The cross shines forth in mystic glow; Where He in flesh, our flesh who made, Our sentence bore, our ransom paid. Where deep for us the spear was dyed, Life’s torrent rushing from his side, To wash us in that precious flood, Where mingled water flowed, and Blood. Fulfilled is all that David told In true prophetic song of old, Amid the nations, God, saith He Hath reigned and triumphed from the Tree. O Tree of beauty, Tree of light, O Tree with royal purple dight, Elect on whose triumphal breast Those holy limbs should find their rest. On whose dear arms, so widely flung, The weight of this world’s ransom hung, The price which none but He could pay, And spoil the spoiler of His prey. O Cross, our one reliance, hail! So may this Passiontide avail To give fresh merit to the saint And pardon to the penitent. To Thee, eternal Three in One, Let homage meet by all be done; As by thy Cross thou dost restore, Preserve and govern evermore. Amen. [St. Venantius Fortunatus, trans. J.M. Neale]). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Nos autem gloriari opportet (see text, above); Alleluia Dulce lignum (O precious wood, O precious nails, gently bearing so precious a burden; you alone were worthy to carry the King of heaven, the Lord); Offertory Protege, Domine (Protect your people, O Lord, by the sign of the holy cross, from the attacks of all enemies; so that our service may be agreeable unto you and our sacrifice aaceptable, alleluia.); Communion Per signum Crucis (By the sign of the cross, deliver us from our enemies, O Lord our God.).

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

September 18, 1899: Bishop Tierney in Town. “The Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney is the guest of Rev. Father Rogers at St. John’s rectory today. The Bishop arrived in town about 11 o’clock, and expects to remain until this evening. He made an official visit to the parochial school, and found it to be in a flourishing condition. The important part that this school takes in the education of the town is sometimes not thought of by many, because the work is done in such a quiet, unassuming manner. There are, this fall, about 500 pupils in attendance, which is an increase over last year. The standard of scholarship that is attained was evidenced last June in a striking degree, by the fact that every candidate for admission to the High School was successful. It is probable that before long steps will be taken for the erection of a building which will be more suitable for the purposes of the school.”

September 20, 1910: Ten Years As Pastor. “Rev. James C. O’Brien, pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church, rounded out the tenth year of his service here on Sunday. Father O’Brien mentioned the anniversary in the course of his weekly pulpit talk, and spoke of the genuine good feeling that existed in the parish, and of the loyal, zealous support given him and his assistants in the work they have been carrying on. He expressed deep gratitude to his people. Father O’Brien’s record here, as it was in Bridgeport, whence he came to Stamford, has been one of progress. Under his direction the parish property has received noteworthy additions. One of these is the parochial school on the Bell Street property. He disposed of the old school and convent property on Hawthorn Street and grouped the parish buildings compactly in Bell Street, erecting, aside from the school, what amounts to a new convent building. The parochial residence on Atlantic Street was improved, too, and the church itself has received many little embellishments. Notwithstanding this and the division of the parish, the church debt has been kept within reasonable bounds.”

September 17, 1947: St John’s Bowlers Make a Fast Start. “St. John’s Holy Name Bowling League got off to a fast start, led by C. Hincle with games of 127, 114, 123 for a high triple of 364 and Sal Deleventure’s high single of 156. Exceptional bowling was turned in for the first night of the season. Other outstanding scores were: L. Nick, 137-329; J. Poultney 133-325; R. Prior 129-322; M. Francis, Sr.  132-321; C. Swathel 121-316; J. Dunn 120-316 and C. Tinchak 120-314. There are still a few openings on the teams for last year’s members and anyone else interested in an evening of fun and competition. Those wishing to join should be at the Elk’s upstairs alleys at 7:15 p.m. Monday night.” 

Concert. . . Here at Saint John’s to benefit Malta House and Catholic Charities.  Friday, September 19th at 7:30 pm.  For more information, please see the brochure inserted in the bulletin.

Pro-Life Activity. . . Stamford’s Life Chain on Sunday, October 5th from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Atlantic Street and Tresser Blvd.  Come be a living link in our Chain of Life. For information, please call Frank Carpanzano: (203) 975-8833, ext. 3004.  Parking is available at St. John’s lot.

St. Cecilia’s School is sponsoring a fundraising day of tennis and golf for kids: on Thursday October 2nd: awards, prizes and food. For details: www.StCGolfTennis or Magoo150@hotmail.com

Need help with your resume? . . . Meet with us on Monday, September 22nd at 7:30 pm in the rectory: Melanie Szlucha, a professional interview coach will give some pointers on crafting a better resume letter. Bring your current resume and cover letter.  For more information: www.reallygreatresume.com

Mass Intentions

Saturday, September 13
4:00 Special Intention Catherine Olnek req. Sharon Gannon

Sunday, September 14
  7:30 +Robert Vota req. By wife
10:00 +Richard Wargo Birthday Remembrance req. Family
12:00 +Gilbert John Wintering req. Mr. & Mrs. Louis Lambiase
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, September 15
  8:00 In honor of Our Lady of Sorrows req. Armelle Penta
12:10 In honor of Our Lady of Sorrows req. Armelle Penta

Tuesday, September 16
  8:00 Special Intention Michael Frederick Ledlow req. Tom Timon
12:10 +Randolph Samedi req. Anne Marie Samedi

Wednesday, September 17
  8:00 +Mary Curry req. Bill & Felicitas Cody
12:10      +Helen Carr req. Marie Carr

Thursday, September 18
  8:00 +Father Methe req. Mr. & Mrs. F. Fiori
12:10    +Mary Ellen & Joseph Santoro req. Marie Carr

Friday, September 19
  8:00 +Neil Carey req. Bill & Felicitas Cody
12:10 +Bernadette Purcell req. the Marchetti Family

Saturday, September 20
  8:00 +Harold Herbert req. Vita & Felicitas
12:10    Special Intention

Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.

Pray for an end to abortion every Wednesday, 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., at 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 who are registered members; those whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests, or whose parish membership 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. 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 (203) 434-4734.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Rosa Marchetti at (203) 348-0232.

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.

The Sword of Sorrow
-Fr. Terry Walsh

 On September 15, the day following the Triumph of the Cross, we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary under the Title of Our Lady of Sorrows. The Triumph of the Cross came through suffering, a suffering that the Mother of Jesus endured spiritually. God redeemed mankind through His Incarnation, restoring by obedience what was lost by the disobedience of Adam. He is Holy and whatever He touches becomes holy. He showed the depth of his love for us, as St. Paul put it in his letter to the Philippians (2:6-11), when our Lord “emptied Himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men. He was of human estate, and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a Cross!” And as his dead body hung upon the Cross, the soldier’s lance pierced His Sacred Heart and Blood and Water flowed out. He emptied Himself so that we might be filled. Thirty three years earlier, Mary presented him to the Father in the Temple. The Presentation was one of the greatest joys in the life of Mary. Moments after the Presentation, however, the holy prophet, Simeon, turned to our Lady and said: “Behold this Child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.” Mary experienced the passion of Her Son spiritually. Imagine the pain and sorrow that filled her heart as she pondered the Holy Scriptures, particularly the passages that graphically spoke of the Suffering Servant, her Son, in the Book of Isaiah. She knew the depth of His love and at the same time, she realized that many would reject Him. Venerable Mary of Agreda wrote: “Most holy Mary knew it all and in the joy and sorrow of her most pure soul, excited by the prophecies of Simeon and these hidden mysteries, She performed heroic acts of virtue…At all times She looked upon her most holy Son with such a living sorrow…” Not long after the prophecy of Simeon, the Holy Family fled to Egypt in the middle of the night to escape the proud and angry Herod who was bent on destruction. They had to leave behind all that was familiar: their friends and neighbors, their home. They didn’t know how long the exile would last. Moreover, they could take very little with them due to the sudden and speedy flight. If his persecutors had only opened their hearts to the Truth, they would have been filled with the joy of Redemption. But pride clouded their vision. Arrogance wounded their impenetrable hearts of stone. And so, the Holy Family had to flee. Mary suffered again when the Child Jesus was lost for three days in the Temple. Imagine the interior agony of wondering of his whereabouts and well-being. The Devotion of the Seven Sorrows of Mary concludes with the last four Sorrows taking place in a single day. She meets her bloody son as He bears the crushing weight of the Cross and then sees Him die upon it. In a sorrow too deep for words, His dead Body is laid upon her lap. Finally, He is buried in the Tomb and once again, the Sword of Sorrow pierces her Immaculate Heart.
“Through her heart his sorrow sharing, all his bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword had passed.
Oh, how sad and sore distressed was that Mother highly blessed, of the sole begotten One!”
(Stabat Mater dolorosa)