Pastor’s Corner . . . On Sunday, November 9th, the Church celebrates the anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, dedicated on November 9, 324 a.d.  Next Tuesday, November 18th, is the feast of the dedication of two other Roman basilicas: St. Peter’s in the Vatican, and St. Paul’s.

             

The Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome.

You will see this on Fr. Walsh’s March Pilgrimage to Rome!

Why does every Catholic parish in the world annually celebrate the anniversary of an ancient church 3,000 miles away in Rome?  The answer is found on the church’s façade: the Basilica of Saint John Lateran is the “Mother and Head of All Churches in the Holy City [Rome] and throughout the World.”  This is the cathedral for the Bishop of Rome, who is also the pope of the Universal Church, who is the Successor of Saint Peter, head of the Apostles. It was to Peter that Our Lord gave the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven [Matt. 16:19].  As the cathedral church of the Successor to Saint Peter, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran becomes the touchstone for all who are part of the Church established by Our Lord.  To be in communion with the Successor of Saint Peter means to be fully part of that one Church founded personally by Christ.
The Vatican sent St. John’s Parish a gift a few years ago: 4 bricks from the Holy Year doors from the four major Roman basilicas are on display at the Saint Joseph Altar.  They are a sign of our communion with Pope Benedict XVI and, through him, with the whole Catholic Church. Ours is the faith professed for two thousand years by the millions and millions of saints, beginning with the Twelve Apostles and the Blessed Mother.  Therefore, the anniversary of the dedication of this ancient church is a celebration of the founding of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church by Christ on Peter, the Rock.  Called by Christ to a unique role, Peter was sinful and weak. He had to grow into his role as the Rock upon which Our Lord built His Church.  Because of his faith and love for Our Lord, Peter was forgiven by Christ [John 21:15-18] so that he and the other Apostles could hand on the truth of Christ and the grace of His Cross to all generations of believers through Christ’s Catholic Church, presided over by Peter and Peter’s Successor, the Pope, the Bishop of Rome. The Catholic Church is not a closed society, but the Mystical Body of Christ, through which He invites all mankind to benefit from His Cross and revelation about God.
 Many today, even among the clergy, try to change the faith or moral teachings of the Church.  The truth of Christ is not something we make up, nor is it something determined by popular opinion, but is revealed by God through His Church. Christ’s promise to St. Peter that “the gates of Hell will not prevail” against the Church was His assurance that the successor to Saint Peter and the bishops in communion with him teach the truth unfailingly, no matter how unpopular that truth might be.  You will not go wrong by following the teachings of the pope.--Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Catherine & Jay Olnek, Ryan Santolo, Michael Mammone, Mary Bozek, Marjorie Just, Jerry Gerardi, Sharon Vagnone, Dianne, Margie Nicholson, Stanley Bozek, Frederick Naphen, Paul Eldridge, Antoinetta Fiore, John Dagostino, Drew, John Castellano, Anita Fasanelli

Please pray for those who have recently died…Ed “Red” Baker, Katherine Harten, Pauline Weeks, Jennifer Tomasello, Vincent Dangi, Deborah (Brennan) Stowell, Valencia Lancaster, Helen Conforti, John Keating, Emma Hernandez, Sr. Inez, O.S.S.S., Vicki Manes, Henry Saraniero

Banns of Marriage:
  2nd John Joseph Marciano & Jennifer Colleen Whipple

Religion Classes for adults. . . Catholics who have not yet received Holy Communion or Confirmation, and for non-Catholics who wish to join the Church, every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  The class is on a 7 week cycle: If you miss one, we repeat it.  Interested?  Please contact Providencia at (203¬) 324 -1553 ext. 21.

Parish Women’s Society. . . We would like to begin a parish society for the spiritual growth of women. Please contact Monsignor if you are interested: Ext. 11.

ROME PILGRIMAGE MARCH 16 – 24, 2009

Fr. Walsh will lead a pilgrimage to Rome, March 16th, returning March 24th.  Cost: $1999, includes airfare, 7 Nights at the Visconti Palace (www.viscontipalace.com), breakfast included, in the heart of the city (Double Occupancy; the Single Supplement is $399.) Transfers to and from the airport, and Travel Insurance are also included. A $100 Deposit holds your spot and the final payment is due by December 1st.  For reservations, call Frank Carpanzano at Advance Travel at (203) 975-8833 ext. 3004.

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 Wednesday, November 12th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  We will continue our study the biblical, patristic and archaeological evidence concerning the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.  Join us.

Introduction to Biblical Greek . . . will be offered in the rectory each Thursday at 7:30 p.m., beginning November 13th.  There is no charge; please just walk in and join us.

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION FOR THE NOVEMBER MEETING – We will meet in the RECTORY here at St. John’s at 6:30 p.m. on November 10th.   Fr. John Ringley will speak on “The Angels.”  There will be refreshments – bring a friend.

St. John’s Christmas Fair. . . Sunday, December 7th, in Monsignor Nagle Hall.  NO DONATED used GOODS, please!!

Stamford’s Parade. . . November 23rd:  Just a reminder: there will be NO 12:00 noon Mass that Sunday.

Antique Rummage Sale: Saturday, November 29th 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.:  Monsignor Nagle Parish Hall sponsored by and for the benefit of the Historical Neighborhood Preservation Program of Stamford.  All are welcome. Please note: This is NOT A PARISH TAG SALE.

Coffee & Refreshments . . . Following the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass: Please join us in the Monsignor Nagle Hall.

Sunday, November 2, 2008      $ 13,476.12

Sunday, November 4, 2007     $ 14,127.34
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Sunday Readings for Nov. 16:  Prv. 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31 –
1 Thes. 5: 1-6, Mt. 25: 1-4 or 25 14-15, 19-21

Hymns for this weekend . . . (1) 222   (2) 183.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

Adult Choir . . . The Adult Choir which sings for the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass on Sundays is especially in need of tenors and basses. All men and women with even a little singing experience are welcome! Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the choir room.

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, 324-1553, ext. 18.

Choral Music for the 12:00 Noon Mass . . . Mass Ordinary: Missa ‘Iste Confessor’ – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1525-1594. Offertory motet: Locus Iste – Anton Bruckner, 1824-1896 (This place is the work of God, a mystery surpassing all comprehension, above all reproach.) Communion: O pray for the peace of Jerusalem – Herbert Howells, 1892-1983 (O pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls and plenteousness within thy palaces. [Psalm 122:6,7, trans. M. Coverdale]). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Deus in loco sancto suo ((God is in his holy dwelling place; the God who causes us to dwell together, one at heart, in his house; he himself will give power and strength to his people. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; and let those who hate him flee before his face. [Ps. 68:6,7,36,2]); Alleluia Bene fundata est (The house of the Lord is solidly built upon a firm rock.); Offertory Domine Deus (O Lord God, in the simplicity of my heart I have joyfully offered all things; and I have beheld with immense joy your people gathered here. God of Israel, preserve this good intention, O Lord God. [I Chronicles 29:17,18]); Communion Ierusalem quae ædificatur ut civitas (Jerusalem, built as a city whose parts are bound firmly together! It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to give thanks unto your name, O Lord. [Psalm 122:3,4]).

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 December 2nd.

St. John’s Bible Study…We are using The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays continuing through May 7th, 2009 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.  All are welcome.
St. John’s in The NEWS. . .
  . . . 100 years ago, or so:

The Connecticut Catholic.
November 11, 1893: STAMFORD. “The St. John’s parochial school is overcrowded, there being a larger attendance than previous years. It goes to show the wisdom of parents in sending their children to school where they will get a religious education as well as all other branches of study.”

The Stamford Advocate:
November 16, 1920: ITALIANS TO ERECT CHURCH. “Upwards of 50 Stamford Italians met last night, at the Italian Social Institute in South Street, and took steps looking to the organization of an Italian Catholic parish in Stamford. An executive committee of five, with Joseph Carpinelli as chairman, was appointed. This committee will appoint sub-committees, and a campaign will begin at once to raise funds to purchase a lot on which to erect a church. The name proposed for the parish is Sacred Heart. According to men interested in the movement, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Nilan had given his approval to the project, provided the necessary funds are raised. It is estimated that there are upwards of 2,000 Italian Catholics in Stamford.”

The Stamford Advocate:
November 12, 1934:  Former Stamfordite Speaks to Children of Mary Sodality.  “Sister Mary Corita, a former member of the Children of Mary Sodality of St. John’s Church, spoke, yesterday, to 200 people in the basement of the Sacred Heart Church, Schuyler Ave. With Sister Corita was Sister Batista who assisted her. Both are members of the Foreign Mission Sisters of St. Dominic with the Motherhouse at Maryknoll, New York. Illustrated pictures of China, Hawaiian Islands, Korea, Manchuria and the Philippine Islands were shown. In the few years since the Mission Sisters organized, their assistance, comfort and teachings have been far-reaching. Much is credited to their untiring labors.”

The Stamford Advocate:
November 13 1951: Education Week Is Observed At St. John’s School.  “St. John’s Parochial School began the observance of American Education Week today with a “Unite for Freedom” program. Mass was celebrated at 8 a.m. The Rev. Richard R. Dunn, principal, is general chairman of the meetings. Father Dunn, chaplain of the Catholic Lending Library, spoke on “Books: One of the Basic Needs of Education” at the general school assembly this morning. Mrs. Etta May Van Tassel, member of the executive board of the Poetry Society of America, writer of verse and interpreter of poetry, was the principal speaker. The Rev. Sister M. Lucia was the presiding chairman of the assembly. On Thursday, room activities will include playlets on patriotism: book and education dramatizations, poster parade and movies. A Junior High Assembly will take place at 10 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Sister Marie Anita as presiding chairman. Mrs. E. R. Prange, children’s librarian at Ferguson Library, will speak on “Books Children Enjoy.”

St. Anne Family Society . . . Meets the first Saturday of each month 5:00 p.m. in the church and parish hall.  Meetings include Eucharistic Adoration in church; a potluck supper and a spiritual conference in the parish hall.  All families—including children—are invited.   Next meeting will be January 3rd.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTICE:  THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES ON DECEMBER 7th – due to the Christmas Fair in the Church Hall that weekend.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, November 8
4:00  +Catherine & Gene Dzilinski req. Marie Carr
Sunday, November 9
  7:30 Special Intention Antonio & Maria Marchetti req. Alessandro Marchetti
10:00 All Souls in Purgatory req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:00 Forgotten Souls in Purgatory req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. The Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, November 10
  8:00 Special Intention Brian Walsh req. Fr. Terrence P. Walsh
12:10 Special Intentions Daniel Almeida
Tuesday, November 11
  8:00 +Jean Evans Kirkland req. Juanita Evans
12:10 Veterans of St. John’s Parish
Wednesday, November 12
  8:00     +William A. Gannon req. Sharon Gannon
12:10     +Mr. McElhinney req. Conor Deegan
Thursday, November 13
  8:00 Special Intention Josephine Lanquedoc
12:10    +Yolanda Novelli req. Joyce Kopf
Friday, November 14
  8:00 For an end of legalized abortion, req. Joseph Languedoc
12:10 +Mai O’Connor req. Agnes O’Connor
Saturday, November 15
  8:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
12:10    +Steve Kerner req. Family

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.  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 (203) 324-1553 x21.

The Habit of Prayer
-Fr. Terry Walsh
 
How often does it feel like “the burden of prayer?” How do we pray? When, where, and how often? Am I doing it right? Shouldn’t I be getting some answers, some feedback from God?
 To begin, prayer is that intimate conversation we have with God in that quiet place in our soul, even in the midst of an often times noisy world all around us. St. Therese calls prayer quite simply a ‘Surge of the Heart toward God.’
 There is so much to say about prayer, but I will simply focus on a few practical points for consideration. Prayer is of course indispensable in our spiritual growth. It is a necessary activity that prepares us for faithful reception of the Sacraments, for a deepening of our knowledge and understanding of God and consequently of ourselves; prayer enables us to examine our lives in light of the Gospel teachings and informs our conscience so that we might seek forgiveness for those occasions when we realize we have offended God or one another.
 In prayer, we’re able to offer thanks and praise to God, we’re able to adore Him, we’re able to petition Him for whatever we need or for some particular gift that will benefit someone else in need.
 If we’re able to receive so many varied and beautiful graces through prayer, why is it so difficult to pray sometimes?
 Well, it might simply be that we don’t work at it. It is, after all, a relationship. If too little attention is given to examining “the prayer life” how can it grow? That’s NOT the same thing as saying ‘too little time’ is spent in prayer. The time for prayer will quite naturally vary from person to person, depending on one’s vocation, along with a whole host of other circumstances. The “attention” I’m speaking about has more to do with the quality of our prayer life. It is, in many ways, an “organic” activity – it’s a living relationship with God: it changes, it grows, it deepens, provided there is due attention given to it.
 As a practical matter, I’d recommend that you consider forming a “foundation” to your daily prayer. This might include a brief, but deliberate, morning offering, something as simple as standing at the foot of the Crucifix in your room and offering the day to God - asking Him to bless your family, your work, your play, and so on. Naturally, it would be good to take a few moments at the end of each day to examine – briefly – how you did in light of the Gospel. Read the Scriptures everyday. Let the habit of growing in the knowledge of God be real food for your soul every single day. It only takes 10 minutes. Reflect on one of the Mysteries of our Lord’s life through the beautiful devotion of the Rosary, which will take another 10 minutes. And finally, perhaps, take 10 minutes to simply tell God what’s on your mind and in your heart. He really wants to hear it from you. What trust, what an act of faith and hope and love as you simply give it all to Him and ask for whatever you need to heal and to grow. This would be a good beginning. See where the Holy Spirit leads you. One thing is certain, if you seek Him through a deepening of your prayer, He will reveal Himself to you in that “inner room” of your soul. Prayer will no longer seem strained, or a burden, but rather, it will become alive and fresh and as natural as the air you breathe.