Pastor’s Corner . . . Many people have come forward to help preserve the parish’s history.  One of the interesting aspects of this ten year project is the attitude of those involved in the work: they’ve approached their task as if they were working to clarify and preserve aspects of lives of friends still with us. In a real way, those who founded Saint John’s 150 plus years ago, and those who lived in the intervening years of the parish’s life, are still with us, as part of the Church. That’s a very Catholic notion: The Catholic Church, whose head is the Lord, and whose body is the faithful, includes all members both living and dead, as Saint Paul wrote. In Christ, its members are united across the ages, truly.
So, we have amassed a considerable collection of information in the form of 30 linear feet of newspaper articles about the parish from 1851 nearly until the present [he’s up to 1950]; photographs from 1885 until the present; a large postcard collection, from the 1890’s through the 1960’s; school memorabilia from the 1880’s until the school’s closure in 1972, including diplomas, school records, class photos, personal award and class pins; parish sports awards from the 1920’s; knick-knacks, commemorative plates and decorative vases with images of the church from the late 19th century;  personal objects of people who lived here before 1868 when the house at 279 Atlantic Street became a rectory: children’s toys, including marbles, a carved wooden horse, a lead tea set, and a small toy canon; a portrait of a small girl who lived here in the 1880’s; newspapers from the summer of 1857 when the house was owned by the prestigious New York City lawyer, Galen Carter; bits of the original wall paper; crockery; an ink well and medicine bottles from the 1850’s and –‘60’s. 
 The bulk of the work is done by Larry Bolanowski, who lived in Stamford with his family until the 1980’s when they moved to New Jersey. Now, he travels to Stamford, driving nearly four hours to reach Saint John’s by 5:30 a.m. each Monday morning.  I meet him at the door with coffee and breakfast, and we sit and go through the fruit of his labors of the previous week. After morning Mass, he returns to the Ferguson Library to spend the subsequent five hours at the microfilm reader, copying all Advocate articles about St. John’s.  He then makes digital photos of the microfilmed news articles, labels each with the newspaper’s name and date, delivers photos to a local shop for clear printing, and then returns the next Monday with his research.  He also spends dozens of hours each week writing to archives, libraries and individuals asking for information, photos or details about various aspects of St. John’s.
 His loyal assistant has been Mary Cycon, one of our parishioners. She comes in weekly to help with Larry’s computer work: entering into the parish computer system all the information and files Larry provides of his research, providing copies to the Stamford Historical Society. 
 If anyone is interested in history—St. John’s is the place. I am grateful to Larry and Mary very, very much.
-- Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Frederick Naphen, 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, , Anthony Sansone, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Vicki Manes Henry Saraniero, Philipe Waterbury, Michael Murray, 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:   2nd Mark Kotasek & Lisa Starr                                   
                                    1st Christopher L. Mason & Amy Ferraiuolo
                                    1st Pablo Labrosciano & Angela Piria

Monthly Collection . . . The second collection today will be the monthly collection for the parish.  Your generosity is appreciated.

Religious Education . . . Classes begin on Today, 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 to 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 24th, 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. 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. 

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.

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.

Coffee Hour…Please join us downstairs after the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the Monsignor Hayes Hall for coffee and snacks.

Latin Mass . . . . At Saint Gabriel’s Church on Newfield Avenue, each Sunday at 12:30 p.m.  All are welcome.
Sunday, September 14, 2008     $ 9,870.46             
             
               Sunday, September 16, 2007     $ 9,288.65
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) 258 (2) 221.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

New Adult Choir . . . to sing for the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Family Mass. Rehearsals: 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 ... The Children's Choir has resumed its Saturday rehearsals. Now in its 10th year (!), the St. John's Children's Choir also sings for the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass on Sundays. 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, 324-1553, ext. 18.
Choral Music for the 12:00 Noon Mass . . . Mass Ordinary: Missa Octavi toni - Orlandus Lassus, Orlando di Lasso, 1532-1594. Offertory motet: Jubilate Deo - di Lasso (O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Lord he is God. [Psalm 100:1,2. Trans. M. Coverdale]). Communion motet: Ave verum Corpus - William Byrd, 1540-1623 (Hail true Body, born of Mary the virgin; suffering, sacrificed truly on the cross for men; from whose pierced side water flowed and blood. Be merciful to us at the judgement of death, O sweet Jesus, O merciful Jesus, O Jesus Son of Mary. [From a 14th cent. Gradual at Limoges, trans. Rev. A. Fortescue]). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Salus populi (I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord; from whatever tribulations they cry out to me, I will give heed to them; and I will be their Lord for ever. Attend, O my people, to my law; incline your ear to the words of my mouth. [Cf. Ps. 37: 39, 40, 28; Ps.78]); Alleluia: Confitemini Domino (Give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon his name; declare his deeds among the nations. [Psalm 105:1]); Offertory: Si ambulavero (If I walk in the midst of tribulation you shall preserve my life, O Lord; you shall stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand has delivered me. [Psalm 138:7]); Communion: Tu mandasti (You have ordered that your commandments be kept diligently; O that my ways may be guided towards the keeping of your statutes. [Psalm 118:4,5]).

THE PARISH PICNIC
Thanks to all who so generously contributed to our first Annual Picnic at Cove Beach last weekend. In particular, we would like to thank Suzie Trotta, Moderator of the St. Anne’s Society, who gathered all the supplies, food and drinks, and Sal DeMott, our transportation coordinator and head chef, for all their generous work. Thanks also to Frank Carpenzano, Jeff Russo, John Regan, Joe Maker, and John Marciano for their skills on the grills. Finally, thanks to Joe Agostino and family, owners of The Bedford Street Diner, who supplied us with endless coolers of ice to keep the drinks cold on such a hot afternoon. We look forward to our second Annual Picnic next September and we’ll pray for another exceptionally beautiful day.

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

September 24, 1869: “The Catholic picnic at Woodside Park last week, though not as largely attended as that of July 4th, was very successful, and proved to be an occasion of great enjoyment to all present. A good band of music was in attendance, and in fact all the arrangements were made with that liberality and enterprise which distinguishes this class of our citizens.”

September 22, 1937: 211 Awards Given 45 Boy Scouts at Court of Honor. “A total of 211 awards were presented to 45 Boy Scouts who attended Camp Toquam, this Summer, last evening, at Burdick Junior High School at a court of honor. Theodore H. Reuman, chairman of the court, was assisted by Dr. George McEvoy, Carlton Swayze, Alfred W. Dater, Sr., Alfred W. Dater, Jr., Health Commissioner Raymond D. Fear, Scout Executive Arthur F. Jury and Carter T. Dodd. Following are the list of advancements and awards: To Second Class: William Harrison, Troop 22 (St. John’s Roman Catholic). Merit badges: Animal Industry: Craig Kellogg, Troop 22. Camping: Robert Lee, Troop 22. Cooking: Robert Lee, Troop 22. Farm home and its planning: Robert Lee, Troop 22. Handicraft: Everett Hyland, Troop 22. Pathfinding: Robert Lee, Troop 22. Personal health: Everett Hyland, Troop 22. Pioneering: Bernard Zarembski, Troop 22. Public health: Fred Benke and Everett Hyland, Troop 22. Rowing: Craig Kellogg and Bernard Zarembski, Troop 22. Safety: Everett Hyland, Troop 22. Stamp Collecting: Everett Hyland, Troop 22. Woodwork: Robert Lee, Troop 22. Star Rank: Everett Hyland and Bernard Zarembski, Troop 22. Life Scout Rank: Frederick W. Benke, Troop 22.”

September 23, 1939: St. John’s Boys Have Grid Team. “St. John’s Varsity Club of the Boys’ Brigade, last year’s junior city champions, are preparing to start their second season with Jim Callahan, Merritt, Gorman, and Mulkerin in the backfield, and practically the same line as last year. Bob Callahan, the high scorer of last year’s team, is again at end, and doubling for his brother at quarterback. New additions to the team include King, Cullen, O’Connor, McNamara, and Gauruter. Last year the team scored more than 200 points, winning seven games and losing one. This year the team is looking forward to an even more successful season. All players are members of St. John’s Boys’ Brigade, which is the junior Catholic Youth Organization of St. John’s R. C. Church.”

September 25, 1942:  “The Women’s League of the Sacred Heart of St. John’s Catholic Church will hold a social and game party for the benefit of St. Joseph’s Hospital in the auditorium of St. John’s Church, Atlantic and Bell sts., on Monday, Oct. 19, at 8:15 p. m.
In commemoration of the one-hundredth anniversary of the first Mass celebrated in Stamford, there will be a Solemn High Mass in St. John’s Catholic Church at 11 a. m. on Sunday.”

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

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.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, September 20
4:00 +Travis Hill req. Grandparents
Sunday, September 21
  7:30 +Estella Colo & Leonard DiSesa req. by Sister
10:00 +Simone Parisi req. Pinto Family
12:00 Special Intention Barbara Schuegar Birthday req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, September 22
  8:00 +Ena & Osner Lubin req. Marie C. Joseph
12:10 The Tarleton Family req. John Tarleton
Tuesday, September 23
  8:00 +Reddy & Alice MacDonald & Family req. Mary Maloney
12:10 Special Intention Rev. Juan G. Pineda Birthday
Wednesday, September 24
  8:00 +Carmen Trivino req. Daughter
12:10      +Margorie Watkins req. Ferry & Providencia
Thursday, September 25
  8:00 +Evelyn & John Sexton req. Hannah Young
12:10    Special Intention Barbara Schueger Birthday
Friday, September 26
  8:00 Special Intention req. Gerard J. Carriera
12:10 +Josephine D’Amico req. her son Frank
Saturday, September 27
  8:00 +Louisa Carriera req. Gerard J. Carriera
12:10    Special Intention Roberts Tarleton

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.

ROMANS
- Fr. Terry Walsh
“If God is for us, who is against us?”(Rm. 8:31)
 In the Holy Mass, the Liturgy of the Word takes its first Reading from the Old Testament and its second Reading from the New Testament, followed by the Gospel. The Psalm poetically unites the general theme of all the Readings and draws us into a deeper contemplation of the Word, preparing us for a more faithful reception of our Lord Sacramentally in the holy Eucharist. The Word draws the attentive heart into a dialogue with God – a meditation of his love. “The Word of God is like a two-edged sword” St. Paul tells us. It penetrates our hearts and opens our minds to the Divine. St. Paul is very often depicted in art holding a Sword in one hand and carrying the Scriptures in the other. In each of the last 16 Sunday liturgies, our New Testament Reading has been taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, arguably the most important of his 13 Epistles. He wrote it during his stay in Corinth (c.58 AD) as he was about to leave for Rome to visit the growing Christian community there. Less than a decade later he would be martyred in Rome. The letter explains essential teachings concerning the relationship between God and man: “For God has consigned all men to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all” (11:32). Paul beautifully explains that true Freedom, true life, is found only through Jesus Christ, who, through His one perfect sacrifice has conquered sin and death and so redeemed all those who worship Him “in Spirit and in Truth”, to borrow a phrase from John; that is, all who “live according to the Spirit” – nourished by Grace. Life in the “New Law” – that is – the “Law of Grace”, is lived through the obedience of faith in imitation of the obedience of Jesus to the Will of the Father. The gift of Divine Life given to all who seek Christ, living according to the Gospel and cooperating with Grace, quite literally forms us into new creations. Paul stresses that this is a total, unmerited gift of Mercy. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us(5:8)….So you must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus”(6:11).
 Paul clearly draws the distinction between life in the flesh as opposed to life in the Spirit. Chapter 8, in particular, focuses beautifully on the “Indwelling” of the Holy Spirit and reminds us that we who are baptized into the Body of Christ are true children of God. “When we cry, ‘Abba! Father! It is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provide we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him”(8:15ff). St. Paul draws attention to the very purpose of Creation and the hope of Redemption. Perhaps his most compelling teaching is that God Himself accompanies our every step, leading us into His Very Being – if we let Him. “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we don’t know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (8:26-27). What tremendous words of hope and consolation! Are we truly mindful of our companion?
 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (15:13).